Live Your Best Lives
No. 21 Hongjing Street, in the ancient city of Jianshui, Yunnan, is an ordinary residential building from the late Qing Dynasty. Eighty-seven years ago, a young military officer lived here for three years, and since then, this small courtyard has shone with a sacred light in the hearts of the people of Jianshui. This small courtyard is the former residence of Chairman Zhu De in Jianshui.
Turning south from the bustling intersection of Jianshui's Jianzhong Road and Beizheng Street, one enters the winding, quiet Hongjing Street. Actually, Hongjing Street isn't really a street, but rather a winding alley. At the first left turn, over a hundred meters down the alley, stands a three-room, six-room courtyard house. The vicissitudes of time have left the once-red walls and gates mottled with moss, and even the red door couplets, once posted during the Spring Festival, have lost their beauty.
Yet, upon entering this small courtyard, one is overwhelmed by the vibrant energy of life. Not to mention the lush green bamboo in the backyard, nor the pots of vibrant flowers, the tall, lush Osmanthus fragrans tree alone is enough to instantly refresh one's spirits. This kind of tranquility and freshness is difficult to recreate in modern architecture.
Located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, it is spring-like all year round with plenty of sunshine, no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
The three rooms on the east side of the courtyard are where Zhu De once lived. In that bedroom, approximately ten square meters, a square table with a lantern by the window sat. [The following appears unrelated and likely a translation error.] [The following appears unrelated and likely a translation error.] Tracing back to history, I feel the beating of the great heart that once carried the Chinese nation. The heroic image of that young, tall, and burly figure galloping across the frontier is vividly remembered.
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Zhu De's Former Residence Exhibition Hall is dedicated to the life and legacy of Zhu De, a prominent military leader and revolutionary figure in modern China. It is significant as a memorial to his contributions to the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party.
Located in the Red River region of Yunnan Province, the residence can be accessed by taxi or private car. Public transportation options are limited, but local buses may operate from the nearest town.
The residence is open year-round, with the best times to visit being in the spring and autumn, when the weather is more temperate. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The entrance fee is modest, typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through local tourism platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking a few days in advance is generally sufficient.
Visiting Zhu De's Former Residence Exhibition Hall typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and the pace of your exploration.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, with limited availability of English-speaking guides during peak seasons. Audio guides in English can also be rented at the entrance.
The garden area around the residence offers great spots for photography, particularly the well-maintained landscaping and the exterior of the memorial building. The interior exhibits also provide many historical visuals for those interested in photography.
Start by exploring the main exhibition hall, then move on to the memorial rooms that focus on Zhu De’s personal life. Finish by walking through the garden for a peaceful conclusion to your visit.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows. Special tours may be available during significant national holidays or special events, but they are not regular offerings.
It can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the mornings or during the off-peak months like January and February.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets, rest areas, and small shops selling souvenirs. However, food options are limited, so it is advisable to bring snacks or drinks with you.
The attraction is accessible to elderly and children. Some areas may require a bit of walking, but the paths are generally well-maintained. For disabled visitors, it is advisable to check with the staff for any specific assistance available.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted. Credit cards may be accepted at larger shops, but it is always safe to have cash on hand.
There are a few local restaurants nearby offering traditional Yunnan cuisine. The area around the residence has limited dining options, but you can find a wider variety of food in the nearest town.
Vegetarian options are widely available at local eateries, offering dishes based on Yunnan’s diverse plant-based cuisine. Halal food may be harder to find, but there are some specialized eateries in nearby towns.
There are several guesthouses and small hotels within a short drive of the site. For more luxury options, visitors may need to stay in larger cities nearby like Jinghong or Mengla.
Souvenir shops are available at the site, offering traditional Yunnan handicrafts, including handwoven textiles, ethnic jewelry, and local teas.
