Xiangshan, also known as Fragrant Hills, holds a crucial place in the history of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Republic of China. The Xiangshan "red" not only refers to the red of maple leaves but also represents the red of revolution. On the occasion of the CCP's founding anniversary on July 1st, let's revisit Xiangshan to relive the revolutionary spirit of "entering Beijing for the exam" and pass on the red gene of revolution.

Xiangshan Revolutionary Memorial Hall

The Xiangshan Revolutionary Memorial Hall began construction on April 23, 2018, covering an area of 2.4 hectares with a building area of 17,985 square meters. The 28 columns in the southern building symbolize the 28 years of struggle from the founding of the CCP to the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

This site was once the headquarters of the CCP Central Committee and witnessed the critical moments from the preparation to the founding of New China.

In September 2019, the memorial hall officially opened to the public, featuring the exhibition "Laying the Foundation for New China - The CCP Central Committee in Fragrant Hills." The exhibition is organized into five sections based on historical development: "Entering Beijing for the Exam," "Stationing at Fragrant Hills," "Continuing to Command the Liberation of All China," "Preparing for the Founding of New China," and "Never Forget the Original Intention, Keep in Mind the Mission, Forever Struggle." This is currently the only large-scale exhibition in China that comprehensively showcases the glorious history of the CCP Central Committee during its time in Fragrant Hills.

The exhibition vividly presents the struggle of the Chinese Communist Party through over 800 photographs, newspapers, maps, charts, and more than 1,200 artifacts, documents, and archives. It reviews the glorious history of the Party leading the Chinese people to victory nationwide and the founding of the People's Republic of China through these images and artifacts.

Address: Shuangqing Villa, No. 1 Hongfeng Lu （Rd）, Haidian District, Beijing

Shuangqing Villa

Shuangqing Villa is a courtyard built on the hillside, originally the site of the Qiyun Tower in the "Songwu Yun Zhuang" built in the tenth year of the Qianlong reign (1745) of the Qing Dynasty. In 1917, after the Zhili flood, the educator Xiong Xiling established the "Fragrant Hills Charity Home" in Fragrant Hills and served as its director. He developed this place into his private residence and renamed it Shuangqing Villa.

As the first stop of the Chinese Communist Party's "Preparing for the Momentous Tasks Ahead of Founding a New China," Shuangqing Villa served as the command center of the CCP Central Committee. It witnessed the arduous journey of the Chinese revolution and carried the hope and determination of China towards victory.

From March to September 1949, Mao Zedong lived and worked here, publishing articles such as "On the People's Democratic Dictatorship," issuing the "Order to Liberate All China," and commanding the Crossing-the-Yangtze Campaign. He also wrote the famous poem "The People's Liberation Army Occupies Nanjing" here. Shuangqing Villa witnessed the glorious years of the "Revolutionary Road to Beijing," where the epic that changed China's destiny and determined its future was written.

Today, Shuangqing Villa has become an important historical site and memorial. Visitors can explore the exhibitions and displays within the villa to learn about the history of the Chinese revolution and the life of Mao Zedong. The villa also preserves valuable historical artifacts from that time, including furniture, documents, and photographs, allowing people to experience the atmosphere of that era more authentically.

In addition to its historical significance, Shuangqing Villa is also a beautiful and pleasant place. The villa is surrounded by lush trees and clear streams, offering a serene and picturesque environment. You can take a leisurely stroll here and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Address: Mid-slope, South Part of Fragrant Hills Park, Haidian District, Beijing

Biyun Temple

Biyun Temple, originally named Biyun An, was built in the second year of the Zhishun reign of the Yuan Dynasty, nearly 700 years ago. Facing east and covering an area of 40,000 square meters, the temple's architectural style was largely formed during the Ming Dynasty. In the thirteenth year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, Biyun Temple underwent significant renovations. A Vajra Throne Tower was constructed according to the designs submitted by the temple monks, along with the addition of a palace and the Arhats Hall, giving the temple its current scale.

Biyun Temple is an ancient temple with rich historical and cultural significance. It is not only a sacred site for Buddhist worship but also holds important historical memories of the Chinese revolution. The temple once temporarily housed the coffin of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, making it a place of commemorative significance.

The temple is mainly divided into three parts: the central main buildings, the Shuiquan Courtyard buildings, and the Arhats Hall buildings. The central main road consists of six courtyards: the Mountain Gate, the Mountain Gate Hall, the Maitreya Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Bodhisattva Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Vajra Throne Tower, each forming a complete system.

Biyun Temple's architecture is unique. The Vajra Throne Tower is one of the main buildings, towering majestically into the sky. The Five Hundred Arhats Hall is another significant structure, housing 500 Arhat statues that showcase the essence of Buddhist culture. These buildings are precious cultural heritage, allowing people to appreciate the charm of ancient Chinese architecture.

Address: Inside Fragrant Hills Park, No. 40 Maimai Jie (St), Haidian District, Beijing