[2025 Shanghai Attraction] Travel Guide for Former Residence of Zhou Enlai in Shanghai (Updated Mar)

🌿In the 20th century, China struggled to find its way amidst turbulent times. As a frontier of the era, Shanghai witnessed countless clashes of passion and ideals. Zhou Enlai's Former Residence at 73 Sinan Road is an immortal beacon in this grand historical river. When the smoke of war filled the air and the nation was in peril, this place became a site of intellectual confrontation and hope. The footprints left by Zhou Enlai and other revolutionary pioneers here are like shining stars, illuminating our journey to look back on the past and interpret that turbulent era. 🌈The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Zhou Enlai's Former Residence in Shanghai‼️‼️! Avoid the pitfalls I've personally encountered＼(`Δ’) ❤️Sinan Road is home to a large number of old buildings with stories, but unfortunately, not many are open for visits. One of them, Zhou Enlai's Former Residence, is a place of great significance. It was once the workplace and residence of Premier Zhou Enlai and is now a memorial hall for the Shanghai Office of the Party Delegation. Next to Zhou Enlai's Former Residence is another old building, which is also part of the memorial hall and can be visited together. 📍Location: 73 Sinan Road, Huangpu District 🎫Tickets: 🆓 No reservation required 🕒Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30, closed on Mondays) ⏱️Visit duration: 40 minutes 🚇Transportation: Take Metro Line 10/13 to Site of the First CPC National Congress · Xintiandi Station, Exit 5, and walk 700 meters; or take Metro Line 13 to Middle Huaihai Road Station, Exit 1, and walk 750 meters 🗺️Nearby old buildings: Sinan Bookstore Poetry Store (450 meters)⏩️See my series of notes for details🔍100 Old Buildings in Shanghai Open for Visits 📆Year of construction: 1921 📝History In 1921, it was developed and built by the Belgian Yipin Loan Bank and designed by Olales. In June 1946, the Party Delegation rented this house and established an office in Shanghai. Due to restrictions by the Kuomintang at the time, the office was externally referred to as Zhou Enlai's Former Residence. In March 1947, the Kuomintang blockaded Zhou Enlai's Former Residence, forcing the staff stationed in Shanghai to evacuate. In 1986, Zhou Enlai's Former Residence was officially opened to the public after restoration and underwent several subsequent renovations. In July 2024, the renovated Zhou Enlai's Former Residence reopened, with the addition of a garden area. 🏛️Architectural features A European-style modern detached garden house with four floors. It has a double-sloped roof with red flat tiles, exterior walls with cement mortar layers embedded with natural gravel finishes, and ochre-red painted wooden louvered windows. The ground floor is for auxiliary use, decorated with pointed arch porches, and the first floor has an external stone staircase and a large two-story balcony on the south side. The main entrance is on the west side, with red brick lintels at the entrance and features such as indoor fireplaces, staircase columns, and colored mosaic glass, reflecting the characteristics of the German Jugendstil style.

#holidayseason Zhougongguan (周公馆), also known as the former site of the Communist Party Delegation Office in Shanghai (中共代表团驻沪办事处旧址), was originally built in the 1920s and became a base for the Communist Party of China (CPC) during critical negotiations with the Kuomintang (KMT) after World War II, from 1946 to 1947. It was used as Zhou Enlai's residence and working space during this time as a representative of the CPC in Shanghai where he conducted crucial meetings, correspondence, and negotiations on behalf of the CPC. This mansion is the fusion between Chinese and Western architectural styles, reflecting the blend of cultures that shaped Shanghai during its golden era. If you're interested in Chinese modern history or a Zhou Enlai fan, this place can't be missed. Today, Zhonggongguan stands as a historical museum and memorial, preserving this critical chapter of China's modern history. It showcases artifacts, photos, and documents related to the CPC esp. Zhou Enlai's activities during that period. --- 🍄 What to See: 1. Architectural Marvels The mansion’s exterior features classical Western-style columns and arches, seamlessly blended with traditional Chinese rooflines. Inside, intricate wood carvings, delicate lattice windows, and spacious courtyards transport you to an earlier time of elegance and sophistication. 2. Historical Exhibits The site doubles as a museum, showcasing artifacts and photographs that highlight the CPC and Zhou Enlai's activities during mid-20th century. --- 🍄 Tips for Visiting: 🏍️ Getting There: Zhougongguan is centrally located and accessible by metro and buses. Check local maps for exact directions. 🌀 Time Needed: Plan to spend about 1 hour exploring the mansion, its gardens, and exhibits. Add more time if you enjoy delving into historical details. 💸 Entry: Admission is free. --- 🍄 Nearby Attractions: 1. Fuxing Park (复兴公园) • About 10 minutes’ walk • A charming mix of French and Chinese landscaping, perfect for a relaxing stroll. 2. Tianzifang (田子坊) • About 15–20 minutes’ walk • A shopping enclave within a traditional Shanghai alleyway. It’s filled with boutique shops, cafes, galleries, and souvenirs. 3. Xintiandi (新天地) • About 20 minutes’ walk • A stylish pedestrian area with upscale dining and shopping places. 4. Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen (孙中山故居纪念馆) • About 10 minutes’ walk • A historical site dedicated to the life and achievements of Sun Yat-sen. 5. Sinan Mansions (思南公馆) • About 5 minutes’ walk • A collection of beautifully preserved European-style villas housing chic restaurants, boutique stores, and event spaces. It’s a great spot for a meal or coffee. 6. Former French Concession Area • Zhougongguan is located within the Former French Concession, making it a perfect starting point to explore this historically significant and picturesque area. The tree-lined streets are ideal for walking and soaking in Shanghai’s blend of cultures. --- 🍄 Tips for Exploring Nearby Attractions 📌 Start with Zhougongguan, then head to Fuxing Park or Sun Yat-sen’s Residence. On the way, you can have a look of Sinan Mansions. By lunch, you can visit Xintiandi or Tianzifang. In the afternoon, have a walk around the French Concession Area 📌 Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes. These attractions are mostly within walking distance. It's very convenient to walk from place to place and you will end up walking for a long distance.

We stumbled upon this while visiting the French Concession. A very interesting piece of Chinese history and the revolution. The place is free to visit for all, and has some old videos to help you better appreciate the revolutiom during those turbulent times. A look into the places where meetings were held, and planning was done. There is a garden at the back with the original buick and a statue of Zhou Enlai. It is a short visit, ard 1.5h to 2hrs of your time and you can head off to the next location.