Shuangqing Villa is the former imperial garden named Songwuyun Manor in Qing Dynasty. In 1920, Xiong Xiling built the manor into a private villa and changed its name into Shuangqing Villa  (Literarily means two clear fountains).

In March 1949, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Pingshan County, Hebei Province removed here. Mao Zedong, with other leaders, commanded at the villa the battle of crossing the Changjiang River, and discussed plans to construct the country.

A great deal of preparation work was done here for the founding of the People's Republic of China. An exhibition in the courtyard entitled "Mao zedong at Shuangqing," displays a large number of cultural relics, work and life necessities, photos and pictures which record the working and living scenes of Chairman Mao in Shuangqing Villa. The office and the bedroom of Chairman Mao reserve its original looks. Visitors can feel the atmosphere of that period and touch upon the immortal spirits of the great man.

Further Information:

Address: Fragrant Mountain Park, Haidian District, Beijing

Bus Route: Bus No. Special 5, 318, 331, 360 (fast), 630, 714, 733, 737, 818, 854, 904

Opening Hours: 8:30-16:00

Nearby Sights: Fragrant Mountain Park, Beijing Botanic Garden, Sleeping Buddha Temple, Tuancheng Exhibition Hall

Nearby Restaurants: Hengyang Restaurant, Xiangshan Restaurant

Admission Fee: 5 Yuan；3 Yuan for students

Tel: 8610-82590297

(China.org.cn August 25, 2005)