Song Qingling Museum

Song Qingling, (1893-1981) was wife of Dr Sun Yatsen, founder of the Republic of China and one of the famous "Soong Sisters". She has been described as one of China抯 outstanding women of the 20th century and was a great advocate of civil rights, democracy and freedom from aggression.

After her husband抯 death in 1925, Song Qingling supported the Communist government and was eventually made honorary President of the People抯 Republic - in spite of the fact that most of her family were key members of the Kuomintang - her younger sister Meiling was married to Chiang Kaishek and older sister Ailing was married to H.H. Kung, finance minister for the Kuomintang.

Song抯 home is on the grounds of what used to be the mansion of Qing dynasty princes. The government built a residence for her on this site and Song worked, studied and lived there from 1963 until her death in 1981.

After her passing, the stately home was transformed into a museum dedicated to her and Sun Yatsen. Visitors will find photographs and personal items from Song抯 life as well as rooms set up with furniture as they were in her lifetime. A section of the museum is called the Children抯 Hall and reflects Song抯 great affection and concern for the youth of China.