Can you imagine a small, unassuming building holding the weight of a nation’s destiny? Right here, at the Seat of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, history unfolded. This two-story shikumen building, built in 1920, witnessed the birth of a party that would reshape China. In July 1921, thirteen Chinese delegates and two Comintern representatives gathered within these walls. They held the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. The meeting commenced here in Shanghai. However, police harassment forced them to conclude it on a boat on South Lake in Jiaxing. The Seat of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party became a museum in 1961. It stands as a testament to this pivotal moment. Inside, the first floor preserves the original living room. You can almost picture the delegates seated around the long table. Their teacups rest beside them, silent witnesses to the momentous discussions. Upstairs, a 450-square-meter exhibition hall showcases hundreds of relics. Documents and photographs bring the early history of the Communist Party to life. A wax figure hall recreates the scene. Mao Zedong, standing in the center, delivers a speech that would echo through decades. Only he and Dong Biwu, among those present, would witness the founding of the People’s Republic of China 28 years later. The Seat of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living embodiment of the dreams, ambitions, and struggles that birthed a nation.
Penglai Park
Free entry. That’s the first thing you notice about Penglai Park. A welcoming gesture in the heart of Shanghai. This