Party's Historic Site Revived

Located in the downtown area of Shanghai, neighbouring the Yanzhong Park, the site of the Second National Congress of the Communist Party of China was recently reinvigorated at the 81st anniversary of the Communist Party of China.

The structure is a unique Shanghai Shikumen (stone-framed) house with a history of nearly 100 years, characterized by outer brick walls and red gate posts.

The Second National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held at this location from July 16 to 23 in 1922 at No. 625, Fude Li on Chengdu Nanlu in the former French concession.

Present at the congress were 12 delegates including Chen Duxiu, Zhang Guotao, Li Da and others. They represented the 195 Chinese Communist Party members across the country.

At that time, the structure was the private apartment of Li Da, one of the 12 delegates at the congress.

Today, with the exception of the reception room, the first floor of the house is preserved as an exhibition room, displaying historical literature and pictures.

The second floor was the study and bedroom of Li Da, furnished with a simple and crude canvas cot, a desk and chairs in the style of the Republic of China.

The exhibition hall is very modern. A computer is located at the entrance of the building to provide information to visitors. One just has to touch the screen to see vivid images of the war-ridden years.

This site is not as famous as the site of the first National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which is near the entertainment area Xintiandi. However, the Second National Congress of the Communist Party of China was of far greater significance to the process of the Chinese revolution.

The slogan "Long live the Communist Party of China", and the principles of anti-imperialism and anti-feudalism were first embraced at this congress, while the Manifesto of the Communist Party of China was first openly published.

Touring the exhibition hall, visitors find themselves steeped in that splendid period of history and feel unwilling to leave.

"Everyday about 600-700 people visit this historical site, many are old people and children," said Ye Gongfa, the section chief of the preparatory office of the memorial hall. "It is really a meaningful place for local residents to learn about this glorious period in the history of the Chinese Communist Party."

Ye explained that it was only a pilot exhibition to solicit opinions and suggestions from visitors.

In another half-year, the site of the Second National Congress of the Communist Party of China will be redecorated and enlarged.

Travel tips

The venue at 625 Chengdu Nanlu is at the intersection of Yan'an Road Elevated Highway and South-North Elevated Highway. The price for an individual traveller is 3 yuan and for group ticket is 2 yuan per person.

( Shanghai Star July 11, 2002)