Song Qingling Mausoleum

Who could imagine a tranquil oasis of cypress and pine trees nestled amidst the bustling city of Shanghai? This peaceful sanctuary, the Song Qingling Mausoleum, stands as a testament to a remarkable woman. Song Qingling, the former Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China, rests here. The Song Qingling Mausoleum is more than just a burial ground. It’s a place of remembrance and reflection, a tribute to a life dedicated to equality and liberty. Song Qingling was born in Shanghai in 1893. She later studied in the United States. In 1915, she married Dr. Sun Yat-sen. She steadfastly supported him in his fight for democratic change in China. Throughout her life, Song Qingling championed women’s rights. She tirelessly advocated for equality and liberty, earning her the affectionate title of “The Mother of China.” Upon her death in 1981, her ashes were brought back to her beloved Shanghai. They were laid to rest near her parents’ cemetery. The burial ground was renamed the Cemetery of Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China to honor her. The Song Qingling Mausoleum occupies 262 square meters within the larger Wanguo Cemetery. Established on June 4, 1981, the mausoleum is now under state protection. A hillside behind the cemetery flourishes with cypress, pine, and Song Qingling’s favorite flowers. A memorial square stretches to the south, featuring a statue of this extraordinary woman. Another, larger statue graces Lingyuan Avenue, bearing an inscription by Deng Xiaoping on its back. The Song Qingling Mausoleum is not just a place of mourning. It is a celebration of a life devoted to service and a symbol of the enduring spirit of a nation.