Former Residence of Zhou Enlai

Sinan Lu is a beautiful road that stands just outside the bustle of Shanghai life. The street has a style all its own, feeling neither monotonous nor lifeless, but its quietness makes it a place for silent introspection. The addresses between 51 and 95 on Si-nan Lu were once called Yipin Cun. It was a gathering place of celebrities and the famous. 73 Sinan Lu was once the residence of Communist Party representative, Zhou Enlai. The front of the residence is marked with a placard reading "Zhou Residence" in Chinese and in English.

History

Simple and frugal, the Zhou Enlai residence was built between 1912 and 1936. Coming out the front door takes you right out onto the great Sinan Lu. The residence has a coarse grey stucco over coating that fills the old structure with a firm and steady disposition. Covered in verdant green ivy, the old strong wall is a tangle of naked vines when the ivy leaves fall in the winter.

Tranquil on its surface, the Zhou Residence once served as Chinese Communist Party's main base of activity in Shanghai, and was witness to a countless number of historical events. On September 16, 1946, Zhou met with reporters from United States, holding a local and international press conference which was attended by over 70 people. Here he met with US President special envoy, General Marshal, and on October 17 and 19 of that year he met and exchanged views with Kuomintang and third party representatives. This is also the place where Zhou Enlai met with American reporter, Anna Louise Strong, as she made her way to Yan'an.

The residence's front entrance is tall because it sits right over the building's shallow basement. Pushing open the newly painted red door and stepping into the simple interior is like watching the unfolding of an old scroll. While the light is dim, it is easy to Zhou Enlai's bedroom is on the first floor in a room east of the living room. It is the most highly furnished room in the house. Zhou did not live in this room for long. Because he frequently received guests, he moved into a safer and more convenient room on the eastern end of the third floor. The rooms on the second floor are spacious and receive very good light. An outdoor staircase installed next to the balcony leads into the garden. With its thicket of flowers and trees, the garden is full of vitality. A large pagoda pine tree stands in the middle of the verdant green yard. It is said that in the summer and fall, Zhou liked to stroll around tree every evening after dinner.

Travel Information

Address: The Zhou Residence is located at 73 Sinan Lu in the Luwan District. Only 50 meters south of the Sun Yat-sen Residence, it can easily be reached on foot.

Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm

Tickets: Free

Special Note

The former residence of legendary Peking Opera master, Mei Lanfang (梅兰芳), lies south of the Zhou Residence on the other side of his flower garden (87 Sinan lu). Mr. Mei lived here between 1933 and 1958. 517 Fuxing Zhonglu is the former residence of famed poet and intellectual, Liu Yazi. None of these buildings are open to the public. Each has been converted into civilian housing, and today are homes to a number of families.