上海宋庆龄故居 — Attraction in Shanghai

This is where Song Ching Ling spent most of her days since 1949, until before she passed in 1981.

After her death, the residence was preserved and converted into a museum, celebrating her by showcasing bits of her life, from childhood photos to handwritten letters, her accolades (badges and certificates), her Qi Paos, her accessories and makeup, sound clips of her speeches etc.

The main house is also open for viewing but no photos allowed. There, one can see bits of her daily life, from the kitchen to the bedroom, shower (bathtub), dining & reception hall where she has hosted many dignitaries. Then there's the huge garden at the back where she takes daily walks and hosts receptions. The garage holds 2 cars, including local pride, a China-made 6m long 红旗 limousine. The Dove House is also significant, as one of her fav pets as a symbol of peace.

RMB20 entry fee, need to pre-book ticket online via their Mini Program, open 5 days before date of visit. I was lucky to sponge off a group visit that had a live guide in the museum section that levelled up the experience. They do have a free audio guide on their WeChat Mini Program but reception is bad and it hardly loads (out of 8 scans, I only managed to listen to 2). Suggest watching the intro video in the Visitor Center first, before proceeding to the museum and then the main house.

Spent a good 2 hrs here, can be shorter if I didn't need to stand in front of the fan in the museum...

One of the places that I have visited several times in my life is the former residence of Soong Ching Ling, the honorary president of China and a prominent figure in modern Chinese history. I first went there when I was a young student, as part of a summer camp program that introduced us to the cultural and historical heritage of Shanghai. I was deeply impressed by the elegant and spacious house, the beautiful garden, and the rich collection of memorabilia that showcased Soong Ching Ling's remarkable achievements and contributions. I learned a lot about her life, her ideals, and her role in the Chinese revolution and the founding of the People's Republic of China. I also admired her dedication to the welfare of children, women, and minorities, as well as her efforts to promote peace and friendship among nations. I felt inspired by her spirit and vision, and I wanted to follow her example of serving the people and...

Very informative tour through Song Qing Ling's prior residence. They've done a good job of preserving everything, from the vintage cars in the garage to the interiors of the bullding to the furnishings and the outside garden. Not crowded at all, so we were able to spend as much time as we wanted to see the exhibits...