Here stands the Liu Changsheng故居 Plaque a silent witness to Shanghai’s revolutionary past. This plaque marks the former residence of Liu Changsheng a key figure in the Communist Party of China. The Liu Changsheng故居 Plaque is more than just a historical marker. It represents a period of intense political struggle and underground activism.
The building itself is a three-story brick and wood structure. It features a gable roof with red tiles and triangular gables on both sides. Stone decorations add to its understated elegance. Green plants climb the goose egg stone walls. Rectangular wooden doors and windows complete the facade. The main facade has a symmetrical layout and an embedded balcony. Straight wrought iron railings line the balcony. This small building exudes a sense of quiet dignity. It stands in contrast to the surrounding commercial bustle.
Built in 1917 the building at Yu Garden Road 81 became Liu Changsheng’s residence from 1946 to 1949. During this time he served as the deputy secretary of the CPC Shanghai Bureau. This location also served as one of the secret headquarters for the CPC in Shanghai. It was here that Liu Changsheng organized many important revolutionary activities. These activities significantly contributed to the liberation and protection of Shanghai.
Liu Changsheng was born in Shandong province. He joined the Soviet Communist Party in 1927 and later the Chinese Communist Party. In 1934 he was tasked with delivering a secret code to the CPC Central Committee. Disguised as a businessman he endured hardship to reach northern Shaanxi. Mao Zedong praised Liu Changsheng for his service to the Party.
After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War Liu Changsheng returned to Shanghai in 1937. He helped rebuild the underground CPC organization. In 1941 he opened a tobacco shop as a cover for underground activities. In this house the first floor was used as a barber shop and tailor shop. Liu Changsheng and his wife lived on the second floor. The decor was typical of a middle-class Shanghai family at the time. A Zenith radio sat on his desk ready for use. There was also a box of matches and a glass of water to destroy documents if necessary.
Interestingly Zhang Chengzong the secretary of the underground Shanghai Municipal Committee lived on the third floor. Liu Changsheng and Zhang Chengzong maintained separate lives to avoid suspicion. Zhang’s family had a phone which became a vital communication link. Zhang’s wife would pass messages to Liu Changsheng or his wife. Urgent meetings were arranged by knocking on each other’s doors.
In 1949 Liu and Zhang left Yu Garden Road 81. They changed their names and appearances. Liu Changsheng stayed with a Kuomintang general who secretly worked for the communists. Zhang Chengzong lived with a former KMT general. They continued their work. They mobilized the public to protect Shanghai. Their efforts ensured that Shanghai was liberated without major destruction.
After liberation Liu Changsheng served as the Third Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee. Although he never returned to Yu Garden Road 81 his legacy remains. In the early 21st century the building was moved to protect it during the Jing’an Temple area redevelopment.
Today the Liu Changsheng故居 Plaque stands as a monument to his contributions. It also serves as the site of the Shanghai Underground Struggle History Exhibition Hall. In 2014 it was designated as a Shanghai Municipal Relics Protection Unit. In 2021 it was named one of the first Shanghai Municipal Revolutionary Relics. The Liu Changsheng故居 Plaque reminds us of the sacrifices made for the city’s freedom. It also stands as a symbol of revolutionary spirit.