Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, Shanghai

Nestled in the heart of Shanghai's bustling Xintiandi district lies a historic site of profound political significance: the Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. This unassuming two-story shikumen (stone gate) building, now transformed into a dedicated museum, stands as a silent witness to the monumental events that shaped the destiny of the world's most populous nation.

On July 23, 1921, thirteen delegates, representing various communist groups across China, convened in this very building to hold the first National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It was in these modest quarters that the foundations were laid for what would eventually become the ruling party of China. Due to an unexpected police raid, the meeting was forced to move to a boat on South Lake in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, where the congress was completed.

Today, the site is preserved as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the clandestine meeting that changed the course of Chinese history. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs from the period, meticulously displayed to provide an immersive historical experience. The life-sized wax figures of the delegates, positioned around a long table in the exact layout of the original meeting, serve as a poignant reminder of the momentous occasion.

The museum not only chronicles the events of the First Congress but also provides a broader narrative of the early struggles and development of the CCP. It is a place of education and reflection, attracting scholars, students, and tourists alike, who come to learn about the complex origins of modern China.

The Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party is open to the public year-round, with free admission to encourage widespread access to this crucial piece of the nation's heritage. It stands not only as a museum but also as a monument to the enduring impact of the ideas and decisions that were debated within its walls nearly a century ago.