Stroll through the Zhou Residence and encounter the red years hidden in the Western-style house
Shinan Road in Shanghai, shaded by parasol trees, hides a quiet and elegant garden-style Western house—this is the well-known Zhou Residence, the former site of the Chinese Communist Party delegation office in Shanghai. Covered with vines on blue bricks and red walls, and surrounded by century-old flowers and trees standing quietly, this place sheds the urban hustle and bustle and preserves a turbulent yet passionate chapter of history.
Built in the 1920s, this Western-style house witnessed a critical period from 1946 to 1947. After the victory in the War of Resistance, negotiations between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party were difficult. Due to the Kuomintang's obstruction, the Communist delegation could not openly establish an office. They named this place the "Private Residence of General Zhou Enlai," quietly carrying out revolutionary work. In just nine months, pioneers like Zhou Enlai and Dong Biwu worked tirelessly day and night here, receiving democratic figures from all walks of life, holding press conferences for Chinese and foreign journalists, discussing peace plans with patriots, and conveying the pursuit of democracy and unity to the outside world.
Stepping inside, time seems to flow backward. In the simple office, old desks and chairs, vintage documents, and enamel cups are displayed as they were; in the cozy living room, the bed and furnishings are extremely plain, fully reflecting the predecessors' honest and pragmatic style. Standing by the window, one can still imagine how, under close surveillance, the pioneers calmly adapted and stood firm, supporting their ideals within these small walls. Precious historical photos and artifacts meticulously restore scenes of peace talks, united front work, and friendly exchanges, bringing the sealed history vividly to life.
In the courtyard, lush greenery flourishes, with crabapple and wintersweet blooming year after year, and the fountain quietly flowing. The serene scenery combined with the profound memories inside allows visitors to deeply feel how the predecessors, despite the harsh environment, remained devoted to their country and moved forward with hope. Now newly restored, the Zhou Residence breaks the barriers of time and space, telling the red stories in detail.
Walking through it, every brick and tile holds the original intention, every plant carries deep affection. This red landmark hidden deep among the parasol trees is not only a witness to history but also a place of spiritual inheritance, reminding every visitor that the peaceful days today are all because the predecessors bore heavy burdens to move forward.
Other visitors' reviews of Former Residence of Zhou Enlai in Shanghai
Show More ReviewsThe main building is a four-story brick-and-wood structure with cobblestone exterior walls. There is a double-story balcony and outdoor stairs on the south side. Inside, Zhou Enlai's office and bedroom, reception room, and dormitory scenes are preserved. The reception room once held press conferences for Chinese and foreign journalists and displayed historical witnesses such as the situation map of the Kuomintang army attacking the liberated areas.