A two-story brick-and-wood house stands before us. This is the Former Site of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. It looks like many other buildings in the area. But inside, a secret meeting changed China’s fate 100 years ago.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Shanghai in 1921. The city was a bustling hub of commerce and ideas. Here at 76 Xingye Road, history was about to be made. The Former Site of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee was the location for the first national congress of the Communist Party of China.
On July 23, 1921, the first meeting convened. This meeting marked the founding of the CPC. It was an epochal event in China’s history. The Party’s leadership strategically moved across China. Finally, it settled in Beijing in 1949.
The Communist Party of China started here. It adopted its first program. The name of the party was decided. It would be called the Communist Party of China.
The objectives of the Party were clear. They wanted to overthrow the bourgeoisie. They wanted to abolish ownership by capitalists. The aim was to establish the dictatorship of the proletariat. Ultimately, they sought to achieve socialism and communism.
The central task was organizing the working class. The goal was to guide the workers’ movement. The Central Bureau was elected as the leadership institution. Chen Duxiu was appointed secretary. Zhang Guotao was in charge of organization. Li Da was responsible for publicity.
The specific date of July 23 was not confirmed until the late 1970s. CPC historians discovered new documents. They finally pinpointed the exact date.
Finding archive material during the war years was difficult. The CPC could only confirm the congress happened in July. Verifying the specific opening date proved challenging. In June 1941, the Central Committee officially declared July 1 as the CPC’s birthday. This is still celebrated today.
From these humble beginnings, the CPC grew. Today it is the largest political party in the world. It has over 91 million members. The country under its leadership has become the world’s second-largest economy.
Shanghai has always been a commercial center. It is a base for the country’s working class. Openness, diversity, and innovation define the city.
After the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949, Shanghai remained an economic powerhouse. It became a window for China’s integration into the international community.
The Former Site of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee stands as a reminder. It shows where the journey began. It symbolizes the dreams and struggles of a nation. It embodies the spirit of a party that has shaped modern China.
Take a moment to reflect on the significance of this place. Consider the weight of history contained within these walls. The Former Site of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee is more than just a building. It is a testament to the power of ideas and the enduring pursuit of a better future.