Former residence of Madam Song
The former residence of Soong Ching Ling, the late honorary Chairman of the People's Republic of China is situated north of Houhai. The residence was once a garden in a Qing Dynasty mansion. Soong moved here in April of 1963. She lived and worked at the residence until she passed away in 1981.
The banks along Shichahai Lake are quiet and beautiful. Willow tress line the streets. Water from Shichahai Lake has been diverted through an underground channel,leading to the garden.
The garden is laid out with rocks and ponds, covered by pines, cypresses and flowers. Winding corridors link traditional halls and pavilions in the garden.
At the rear of the garden is a dove house, where Soong used to feed pigeons on her spare time.