Here stands the \u5b8b\u5e86\u9f84\u50cf Statue. It is a tribute to a remarkable woman. She was once the Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China.
This statue stands in the memorial square. The square is located south of her cemetery. The cemetery is part of the Wanguo Cemetery. Deng Xiaoping’s words are carved on the back of an even bigger statue on Lingyuan Avenue.
Soong Ching-ling was born in Shanghai in 1893. She later studied in the United States. In 1915, she married Dr. Sun Yat-sen. She supported his fight for democratic changes in China. She remained by his side. She was his wife, comrade, and assistant.
From the age of 18, she advocated equality and liberty for Chinese women. She used non-violent methods. She was called “The Mother of China” because of her work. It lasted around 70 years.
She died in 1981. Her ashes were brought to Shanghai. They were placed near her parents’ cemetery. To honor her, the burial ground was renamed Cemetery of Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China.
The Cemetery of Song Qingling covers 262 square meters. It has state protection. A hillside rises behind the cemetery. Cypress and pine trees dot the landscape. Her favorite flowers bloom around.
The memorial square is 2,828 square meters. It features the \u5b8b\u5e86\u9f84\u50cf Statue.
She donated her residence to the government. It became a memorial to her husband Sun Yat-sen. In return, the government gave her a new house. In 1949, she moved to a residence on Middle Huaihai Road. There she witnessed Shanghai’s capture by the Communist Party.
After 1949, Soong held important positions in the government. Her Shanghai residence became an important workspace. She met senior CPC leaders there. She also met foreign statesmen.
Her former residence is now a memorial. It holds over 15,000 of her items. These include pictures, letters, and her college diploma. You can also see collected books and daily utensils. Gifts from state activities are displayed too. The seals of Sun Yat-sen are preserved there.
Strolling near the \u5b8b\u5e86\u9f84\u50cf Statue you reflect on Soong Ching-ling’s life. Her virtue and spirit live on. She remains an important figure in Chinese history.