At the center of a revolutionary past

Famous residences

Follow the footprints and glorious moments of several historical figures with visits to their former residences.

Guo Moruo (1892-1978), one of the greatest writers and poets in China's modern history, lived near Shichahai, Xicheng district. Born into a merchant family in Sichuan, Guo wrote many famous works that greatly contributed to maintaining the unity of the Chinese people during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). He held a number of high-level government posts while continuing his literary creations. Guo is known for his historical plays on Cai Wenji and Empress Wu Zetian. Guo lived in his Shichahai courtyard residence for 15 years from November 1963 until his death. Many of his manuscripts, books and documents are still kept there. The ginkgo trees and peonies that Guo and his wife planted are still blossoming in the courtyard.

A 25-minute walk away from Guo's residence is Soong Ching Ling's former residence in the Houhai area. Soong was one of China's greatest philanthropists and wife of Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China. She made many significant contributions to China's social and welfare causes during her lifetime. Soong's residence is filled with various plants and is surrounded by lakes and artificial mountains. She moved into the residence in 1963, and lived in the residence for 18 years until her passing in 1981.