Birthplace of Chinese Communist Party, Shanghai
July 23, 1921, is the day the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was founded, but very few realize that its "birth" actually took place in Shanghai. It was here that the CCP held its First National Congress, thus charting the course to what later became the People’s Republic of China and subsequently transforming this unassuming shikumen block into one of China's most venerated communist shrines.
Despite elements of propaganda, this place gives a fairly good account of events of 1921. There's a little exhibition hall with curious artifacts and photographs, combined with the exhibits related to the broader Chinese history and Shanghai history, in particular. Among other things displayed here is a waxwork diorama of young Mao Zedong and his comrades. The curators really have done a good job fitting so many displays into a relatively small space.
In order to get in, you'll need a ticket, but the tickets are free and provided next door to the museum entrance. Once inside, seek to avoid guided Chinese groups whenever you can, as the space gets crowded almost immediately.
Overall, a visit to this 'shrine' of Chinese Communism is a great contrast to the hum of Starbucks just around the corner, jam-packed with locals guzzling their chai lattes and enjoying free Wi-Fi – a juxtaposition of old and new, communism and capitalism.
Despite elements of propaganda, this place gives a fairly good account of events of 1921. There's a little exhibition hall with curious artifacts and photographs, combined with the exhibits related to the broader Chinese history and Shanghai history, in particular. Among other things displayed here is a waxwork diorama of young Mao Zedong and his comrades. The curators really have done a good job fitting so many displays into a relatively small space.
In order to get in, you'll need a ticket, but the tickets are free and provided next door to the museum entrance. Once inside, seek to avoid guided Chinese groups whenever you can, as the space gets crowded almost immediately.
Overall, a visit to this 'shrine' of Chinese Communism is a great contrast to the hum of Starbucks just around the corner, jam-packed with locals guzzling their chai lattes and enjoying free Wi-Fi – a juxtaposition of old and new, communism and capitalism.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Birthplace of Chinese Communist Party on Map
Sight Name: Birthplace of Chinese Communist Party
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
The Bund Sightseeing Tour
The Bund is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The term "bund" was borrowed into English from Hindi and originally referred to a dyke or embankment. The Chinese name for the Bund is unrelated in origin: it literally means "outer bank", and distinguishes this part of the riverfront from the "inner bank" adjacent to the Old Town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Leaving Shanghai without calling local shops and procuring something truly original to bring home as a souvenir would be a pity. Indeed, souvenir shopping in Shanghai is an exciting experience.
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai
Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...