Live Your Best Lives
Visit the former residence of Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China, to learn about his early life and political journey. The residence is now a museum showcasing artifacts, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of his contributions to modern China.
Comrade Zhou Enlai's former residence is located behind the Sanming County Government in China, to the left of the Lotus Hotel. From the autumn of 1932 to the winter of 1933, this was not only Zhou Enlai's former residence in Jianning, but also the former site of the General Political Department of the First Red Army. Restored and reopened in 1978, it is a key cultural relic protection site in Fujian Province and a patriotic education base for young people. Nestled among lush greenery, the residence exudes a solemn and majestic presence. A two-story building with a stable, its sturdy wood and radiant white walls have earned it the nickname "Little White Building."
In October 1932, Chiang Kai-shek mobilized 630,000 troops to launch the fourth military campaign against the Central Revolutionary Base Area. To crush the campaign, the First, Third, and Fifth Corps of the First Red Army and the 22nd Red Army assembled in the Guangchang area. On October 12, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De presided over a military meeting and formulated the "Battle Plan of the First Front Army of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army." According to the plan, on October 16, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De led the Red Army in five separate routes, advancing toward Jianning and Lichuan. On October 18, the Red Army divided its forces and launched an attack on Jianning City. The Second Regiment of Zhou Zhiqun's Brigade was easily defeated and fled to Taining.
Over 400 enemies were captured in this battle. After capturing Jianning, the Red Army pursued the enemy to Meikou, Taining, where they killed the Kuomintang county magistrate and seized a cache of weapons and ammunition. That same day, the Red Army captured Lichuan and quickly liberated large areas of Taining and Jiangle, achieving the remarkable feat of "a great victory on the northern front, capturing three cities in a row." At the time, Zhu De, Zhou Enlai, and Ye Jianying, along with the First Red Army General Headquarters and Yang Shangkun, resided in the "Little White Building." From there, they commanded the Red Army's operations, leading to the rapid development of the Jiantai-Li Soviet Area and guiding the masses in deepening the Agrarian Revolution and economic development, contributing to the consolidation and expansion of the Soviet Area.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
Photos of Premier Zhou Enlai in different historical periods.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Zhou Enlai's Former Residence is a historically significant site as it was the childhood home of Zhou Enlai. The residence provides insight into his early years before he became a prominent figure in Chinese politics, particularly in the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
Located in Sanming, Fujian Province, Zhou Enlai's Former Residence is best reached by taxi or private car. Public transportation options are limited, so driving or hiring a taxi is the most convenient way to get there.
The residence is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. The best time to visit is during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid large crowds, especially during Chinese national holidays.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥20. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and there are no current online booking options available.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but during peak seasons, it's advisable to arrive early to secure tickets and avoid long lines.
It takes around 1-2 hours to explore the residence and its surrounding grounds, depending on how much time you spend reading the exhibits and learning about Zhou Enlai's life.
Key highlights include Zhou Enlai's childhood bedroom, the study where he spent many hours, and a collection of historical documents and photographs that illustrate his political rise and legacy.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not typically available, but local guides provide in-depth information in Chinese about Zhou Enlai’s life and legacy.
The residence’s well-preserved architecture and the surrounding garden provide excellent photo opportunities. The main courtyard and Zhou Enlai's childhood bedroom are popular spots for photography.
Start with the main entrance, where you'll find the exhibit about Zhou Enlai's early life. Then, explore his childhood bedroom and study, followed by the exhibition halls that detail his political career and significant contributions.
Night visits or light shows are not available. The residence is only open during daylight hours, with no special evening programs.
The site can be crowded on weekends and during national holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, especially early in the morning.
The residence has basic facilities such as public restrooms. There are no food or water stations on-site, so it’s advisable to bring your own refreshments. There are no souvenir shops.
The residence is accessible for elderly and children, with paved paths and easy access to most areas. However, some areas may be difficult to navigate for visitors with severe mobility impairments.
Cash is commonly used, and mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are also accepted. Credit cards are generally not accepted at the entrance.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly within the residence area. However, there are local eateries in Sanming City where you can enjoy traditional Fujian cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available in some nearby restaurants. Vegan and halal food options may be limited, so it's advisable to inquire at the local eateries in advance.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in Sanming City, approximately 30-40 minutes by car from the residence. For more upscale accommodations, there are options in larger cities like Fuzhou.
Nearby attractions include the Sanming City Museum and the Nianfeng Mountain Scenic Area, both of which can be visited in a day trip when combined with Zhou Enlai's Former Residence.
There are no souvenir shops within the residence, but you may find traditional Fujian handicrafts and local products in nearby markets and towns.
After visiting, the best transportation options to continue your trip are by taxi or private car, as public transportation is limited. For further travel, taxis to the nearest train station or airport are recommended.
