Fortress Garden

Amidst the bustling heart of Beijing, lies a place of profound historical significance: Fortress Garden. Don’t let the name mislead you. Fortress Garden is not solely about fortifications. It’s a place where emperors raised silkworms, presidents held office, and a revolutionary leader found his first home in the new China. Emperor Kangxi, known for his long reign and cultural contributions, built these very structures we see before us for a rather unexpected purpose: sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms. Picture the scene: rows of mulberry trees, their leaves rustling in the breeze, feeding countless silkworms spinning their precious threads. The main building, Dianxu Hall, has worn many names throughout the years: Chong Ya Temple, Yiennian Temple, and Yitingnian. This hall, once echoing with the pronouncements of emperors, briefly served as the office of the President during the Republic of China era. Imagine the political machinations that unfolded within these walls as President Xu Shichang moved his residence to Regent Palace and the Prime Minister took up residence here. Fortress Garden’s significance goes beyond imperial and presidential history. It played a crucial role in the early days of Communist China. Within these grounds, in a building called the Chrysanthemum Library, Chairman Mao Zedong established his first residence and office after the revolution. From 1949 to 1966, he worked from here, shaping the future of a nation. The Chrysanthemum Library remains, preserved as a museum, a silent testament to a pivotal era. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public. In 1966, at the dawn of the Cultural Revolution, Mao relocated to the nearby Poolside House within Fortress Garden. This move marked a shift in Chinese politics, the reverberations of which are still felt today. Fortress Garden stands as a captivating microcosm of Chinese history. From silkworms to presidents to revolutionary leaders, this garden has borne witness to a remarkable tapestry of events.