Former Residence of Comrade Mao Zedong
Subtitle: A Journey to the Heart of the Revolution: Mao Zedong's Former Residence in Dajing, Jinggangshan
1. Introduction: The Crucible of Revolution
Nestled in the remote and mist-shrouded mountains of Jiangxi Province lies Jinggangshan, a name forever etched into the foundational narrative of modern China. This region is revered as the birthplace of the Chinese Red Army and one of the earliest rural revolutionary bases. Within this historic landscape, the village of Dajing holds a particularly significant site: the Former Residence of Comrade Mao Zedong. More than a simple dwelling, this location served as a vital strategic headquarters, a symbol of resilience, and a tangible connection to the formative years of the Chinese Communist revolution. A visit here is not merely a tour of an old house; it is an immersion into a pivotal chapter of 20th-century history, where ideology met action amidst immense hardship.
2. Historical Context: The Jinggangshan Rendezvous
2.1. The Historic Meeting To understand the profound importance of this residence, one must first appreciate the dramatic events that brought Mao Zedong to Dajing. Following the abortive Nanchang Uprising on August 1, 1927, which marked the birth of the People's Army, several units under the command of future marshals Zhu De and Chen Yi undertook a grueling retreat southward. In a moment of strategic genius and necessity, Mao Zedong, leading the forces of the Autumn Harvest Uprising, shifted focus from urban centers to the remote countryside, establishing a base in the defensible Jinggangshan mountains.
The pivotal moment came in late April 1928 (often commemorated in May), when Zhu De and Chen Yi's weary troops successfully linked up with Mao's forces at Jinggangshan. This event, known as the "Join of the Armies" or "Jinggangshan Rendezvous," was a milestone. It consolidated the most experienced surviving revolutionary military forces, effectively forming the nucleus of what would become the legendary Red Army. The merger proved Mao's strategy of using rural bases to encircle cities, a cornerstone of the revolutionary struggle.
2.2. A Strategic Command Center Following this union, Dajing became a crucial operational hub. Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and other leaders repeatedly used this location to plan campaigns and direct battles. From here, they orchestrated the defense of the Jinggangshan base area against repeated and often fierce military "suppression campaigns" launched by Kuomintang (Nationalist) forces from the neighboring provinces of Hunan and Jiangxi. The residence was not a quiet retreat but a nerve center for military and political strategy during a period of constant struggle for survival. The decisions made within and around its walls were instrumental in preserving the revolutionary flame during its most vulnerable early phase.
3. The Residence: Architecture, Destruction, and Restoration
3.1. The "White House" and Its Original State The residence itself is situated at the center of Dajing village. A large, local-style Hakka dwelling, it was commonly known as the "White House" (Bai Wu) due to its distinctive whitewashed exterior walls. The structure was substantial, containing 44 rooms arranged around five interior courtyards or skywells (tianjing), which provided light and ventilation. When Mao and the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army first arrived in Dajing, he took up residence here. It subsequently served as his primary dwelling in the village. Reflecting the close, intended relationship between the revolutionaries and the local populace, the house was also shared with five local peasant families and housed local armed forces under the command of Wang Zuo, a former mountain bandit leader who allied with the Communists.
3.2. Tragedy and Survival The relative stability of the base was shattered in early 1929. Under increasing military pressure, the main Red Army forces were compelled to break out of the encirclement and leave Jinggangshan. In their wake, in January 1929, Kuomintang troops entered Dajing and burned the "White House" to the ground in an act of retaliation and attempted erasure. The fury of the fire left the site in ruins, with only three poignant remnants surviving: a single section of the original charred gable wall, two trees behind the house, and a large, smooth rock on the ground in front of the building.
3.3. Symbolic Reconstruction For over three decades, the ruins stood as a silent testament. It was not until 1960, as the historical significance of Jinggangshan was formally recognized, that the local government undertook a meticulous reconstruction. The new building was faithfully restored to its original 1928 appearance based on historical records and the memories of villagers. In a powerful act of symbolic preservation, the surviving section of the original blackened wall was carefully embedded within the new white wall. This deliberate architectural choice creates a stark, visual dialogue between destruction and rebirth, serving as a permanent, physical memorial to the violence of the period and the resilience of the revolutionary legacy.
4. Enduring Relics: The "Reading Stone" and Witness Trees
4.1. The "Reading Stone" In front of the reconstructed house lies the large, unassuming rock that survived the fire. This stone has gained profound significance and is now universally referred to as the "Reading Stone." Historical accounts and local lore maintain that during his time here, Mao Zedong would often sit on this very rock to read, study newspapers, review documents, and perhaps contemplate strategy. It symbolizes a moment of quiet reflection and intellectual engagement amidst the chaos of war. For visitors today, it serves as a tangible point of connection, inviting them to visualize the leader in a rare moment of solitude and study.
4.2. The Witness Trees Behind the residence stand two ancient trees—a southern Chinese cedar (Cunninghamia lanceolata) and a hackberry tree. Miraculously spared by the 1929 fire, these trees are known as the "Witness Trees" or "Survivor Trees." They are living monuments that have silently observed the entire history of the site: the bustling activity of the revolutionary headquarters, the devastation of the fire, the decades of quiet neglect, and the eventual restoration and influx of pilgrims. Their enduring presence adds a deeply organic and emotional layer to the historical narrative, representing continuity, endurance, and natural witness to history.
5. Visitor Information
A visit to the Mao Zedong Former Residence in Dajing is typically included in the comprehensive entrance ticket for the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Site Scenic Area. The general admission pass, which covers multiple historic sites, museums, and the necessary shuttle bus transportation within the vast mountain area, is priced at approximately 190 RMB. For the most current information regarding opening hours, specific access to the residence, and ticket policies, it is advisable to contact the official Jinggangshan tourism management. The general inquiry line is 400-188-0796. Given the mountainous terrain and the dispersed nature of the sites, visitors should plan for a full day to explore the area, with Dajing village being a central and essential stop on any historical itinerary. The experience is one of profound historical reflection, set against a backdrop of serene and beautiful natural scenery.