A historic house in Shanghai, named "Ai Lu", which had belonged
to former Kuomintang leader, Chiang Kai-shek's wife Soong May-ling,
will be opened to the public, starting from June 10, China's
Cultural Heritage Day.
It is the first time the historic, reserved architectural site
that is still in use, will welcome visitors on a regular basis,
following a latest major renovation, supported by municipal
government subsidy.
Situated in Shanghai's western Xuhui District, a district that
is rich in historic flavored architectures, the Dongping Street
No.9 house is a 1,000 square meter three-floor French-style villa
built in the early 1930s.
The house was a dowry property for Chiang Kai-shek when Soong
May-ling married him, which added more mystery and attraction to
the house.
The house is now still used as a teaching building for a Music
Middle School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory.
According to local Xinmin Evening Post reports, the recent major
renovation to the house was a massive facelift, which didn't change
its original look and flavor.
Meanwhile, in order not to disturb the normal teaching schedule
of the Music Middle School, the residence will be only opened to
the public on set-date basis.
Shanghai's Xuhui District now still accommodates some 138
historic architectures, most of which are similarly still being in
use. Walking along the peaceful and silent streets where these
historic residences locate in Shanghai, visitors won't fail to
sense their wonderful historical stories and exquisite
architectural arts that are still clocked behind the doors.
In order to unveil the historical culture to visitors, the local
government has decided to spend three years in overhauling these
architectures in four major streets, and facilitate their opening
to the public at regular times.
The historic house named "Ai Lu", which is
now used as a teaching building for Music Middle School Affiliated
to Shanghai Conservatory, will be opened to public starting from
June 10, China's Cultural Heritage Day.
(CRIENGLISH.com April 27, 2007)
