In the Donggu Valley of Lushan Mountain, a Changchong River winds its way through the landscape, disappearing and reappearing amidst the beauty of nature. Nestled by the river’s edge, an English-style villa with arches is hidden deep within the verdant foliage. This architectural gem was constructed in 1903 by Lord Lanorz of the United Kingdom. The villa’s history includes a transfer of ownership in 1922 to Ms. Bailey, who enjoyed a close relationship with Song Meiling. In a gesture of friendship, Bailey presented the house to Song Meiling in 1934.
Meilu, as the villa is known, consists of a main building and an annex. The main building is a two-story structure, while the annex is a single-story addition. Visitors are invited to ascend the cross-shaped long stone steps leading to a transparent balcony, offering a glimpse into the villa’s history. Upon entering the first floor of the main building, one is greeted by an elegantly decorated living room that blends Chinese and Western design elements. The space is adorned with a cat’s eye green carpet, a dark green sofa, and walls adorned with half-length photos of Song Meiling from various periods, as well as images capturing life within ‘Meilu’. The interior furnishings have been meticulously preserved in their original state.
In the center of the living room stands a double bed, crafted from high-quality British wood. To the left of the bed, a round carved dressing table provides a charming contrast, while a square cabinet displays delicate items such as ivory fans. The annex, with its row of glass windows, offers a modern touch to the villa’s design. Inside, the layout is divided into a passageway on one side and independent functional rooms on the other, including a dining room, music room, and guard room.
Today, this historic site has been transformed into an exhibition hall, showcasing the rich history of ‘Meilu’. The exhibition is organized into three distinct parts. The first part features items that have remained in ‘Meilu’, such as the piano played by Song Meiling, hardcover English books that she read and collected, a watercolor painting titled ‘Lushan Mountain Stream’ that she painted, and a Fissel refrigerator that uses kerosene for refrigeration. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the elegance and history of this remarkable place.Second, historical photos and items of important officials of the National Government’s political activities in ‘Summer Capital (Lushan Mountain)’, including photos of Chiang Kai-shek attending the graduation ceremony of the Lushan Mountain Officer Training Corps in September 1934, and photos of Chiang Kai-shek and Marshall talking on the balcony of ‘Meilu’ on July 17, 1937. Third, the historical features of Kuling and famous scenic spots of Lushan Mountain photographed in the 1930s.
The opening hours are from 09:00 to 16:30 all year round. The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.
