The Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China—what a must-visit!

July 1, 2026, 07:38 Source: China News Service WeChat Official Account

 

　　“I was strolling down the street when I spotted the exhibition hall’s entrance… it turned out to be a truly wonderful chance encounter.” — Alberto, Mexico

　　“The historical narrative presented here is completely different from that in British textbooks, and it has completely reshaped my understanding.” — Tyler, UK

　　“The museum’s historical archives are comprehensive and rich, presenting a complete and clear account of the Chinese Communist Party’s century-long journey.” — Veronika Zhuchenko, United Kingdom

　　“This is an excellent starting point for understanding China.” — Jake, UK

The site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the adjacent Memorial Hall of the First National Congress are constantly bustling with domestic and international visitors. Photo by Yang Haiyan.

　　You read that right—everything above is the exact wording from foreign visitors who enthusiastically recommended the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China during interviews. Scenes like this, where genuine enthusiasm shines through, play out in real life every single day.

　　The site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, located at No. 76 Xingye Road in Shanghai (formerly No. 106 Wangzhi Road), along with the adjacent Memorial Hall of the First National Congress, has seen steadily growing popularity in recent years, attracting a constant stream of domestic and international tourists and visitors.

Recently, Brazilian visitors toured the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and engaged in exchanges with Chinese primary school students. Photo by Yuan Jing.

　　In recent years, as the international community’s interest in the Communist Party of China’s development journey has continued to grow, an increasing number of foreign friends have come to explore China’s path of development. Among the more than 3 million visitors the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the CPC welcomes each year, overseas tourists hail from dozens of countries and regions. In 2025, the memorial hall hosted approximately 3.23 million visitors, including nearly 100,000 international guests.

The site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the adjacent Memorial Hall of the First National Congress are constantly bustling with domestic and international visitors. Photo by Yang Haiyan.

　　When foreigners visit Shanghai, why do they not only stop by the Bund and Anfu Road to take photos, but also choose to step into a century-old shikumen building to learn about the history of the Communist Party of China?

　　 “I want to show my friends what China is really like.”

　　“I came here purely by chance,” said Alberto, a tourist from Mexico. “I was strolling down the street when I noticed the entrance was particularly eye-catching, so I walked in.”

　　This chance visit deepened Alberto’s understanding of China. He spent more than an hour exploring the exhibition hall, remarking, “I find the Communist Party of China’s full historical context truly awe‑inspiring. This is not something that unfolded in just a few decades; it rests on a century of accumulated history. Over the past hundred years, countless events have built upon one another, culminating in the China we see today. This long, profound journey of development has left a deep impression on me.”

Mexican tourist Alberto. Photo by Yang Haiyan.

　　Alberto said he had taken many photos to show his friends and family, adding, “I want my friends to see what China is really like.”

　　“Western mainstream media have consistently emphasized a negative narrative, but I’ve always believed that such claims simply don’t hold up. If this development model were truly worthless, China could never have achieved such remarkable prosperity. This visit has only reinforced my original assessment.”

　　 A “Journey Through History” to Fill the Gaps in Our Knowledge

　　Some young foreigners have also come to regard this place as a classroom in history.

　　“I majored in history and literature, and I often enjoy visiting museums and historical sites around the world to gain a firsthand understanding of local histories.” Theo and his companion Virginia had just arrived from Qingdao. In Qingdao, they visited the May Fourth Square but were completely unaware of the significance behind the “May Fourth” movement. At the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, however, they learned about the entire course of this patriotic movement.

Theo and his companion Virginia. Photo by Yang Haiyan.

　　“The exhibits in the pavilion are far more comprehensive than anything I’ve ever known. The exhibition covers topics like the Treaty of Versailles—material you’d typically encounter in European history textbooks—but it also sheds light on China’s situation at the time, the impact of World War I on China, and the repercussions of Britain’s actions back then. This chapter of history is truly fascinating to read,” Virginia said.

　　For them, this visit was a “journey through history” that filled in gaps in their knowledge.

　　 This is an excellent starting point for understanding China.

　　Veronika, from the United Kingdom, traveled to China with three friends, and the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China was a key stop on their carefully planned itinerary, as they “follow political developments and wish to gain an in-depth understanding of this period of history.”

Veronika, from the United Kingdom, traveled to China with three friends. Photo by Yang Haiyan.

　　During her visit, she found herself utterly captivated by the May Fourth Movement exhibit. “The young students’ call for educational rights resonated deeply with my own identity as a student,” Veronika said. “The idea that everyone should have equal access to education and universal cultural knowledge profoundly moved me. Until now, I knew very little about this movement, but here I’ve learned so much.”

Veronika, from the United Kingdom, traveled to China with three friends. Photo by Yang Haiyan.

　　They also found the English translations throughout the museum highly practical. Jake added enthusiastically, “All the written materials come with English translations—how thoughtful! What impresses me even more is that the Chinese people, relying on their own strength, have built a nation capable of achieving so many extraordinary feats, becoming a powerful force for good in human history.”

　　Jake admitted that he has visited many museums in China, and this is, by far, the one he considers “the best.”

　　“I believe this is indeed a highly effective way to gain insight into Chinese history—especially modern Chinese history. To truly understand a country, grasping its history is essential; therefore, this is an excellent starting point for comprehending China.”

Azerbaijani doctor Ilkin is visiting China for the first time. Photo by Yang Haiyan.

　　These international friends from all over the world have spontaneously become “ambassadors” for the memorial hall. Ilkin, a doctor from Azerbaijan, summed up his impressions in just a few words: “Rustic yet modern, breathtakingly spectacular, grand and majestic—truly unparalleled.”

　　Faced with such a large international “fan base,” the museum has stepped up its efforts considerably. Yang Yu, Director of the Publicity and Education Department at the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, recently stated in an interview that visitors are increasingly young, diverse, and international. The memorial hall has now established a comprehensive, multi‑dimensional service system featuring full‑language English coverage, multilingual audio guides, and professional guided tours. All signage and explanatory materials are fully available in English, 160 audio guide devices supporting seven foreign languages have been put into operation, and professional English‑ and Japanese‑speaking docents are on staff year-round, all in an effort to meet the needs of overseas visitors.

On the留言 wall in the rear hall of the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, foreign visitors have left a variety of reflections. (Photo provided by the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China)

　　German tourist Jens wrote on the留言 wall: “We are proud of the achievements the Chinese people have made under the leadership of the Communist Party.” Alison, from Washington, D.C., wrote: “I greatly enjoyed learning about the founding of the Communist Party of China. Establishing such a regime required tremendous effort and sacrifice.”

　　A red exhibition hall that appears solemn has nonetheless become “the coolest check-in spot” in the eyes of young foreigners.

Veronika, from the United Kingdom, traveled to China with three friends. Photo by Yang Haiyan.

　　They set out either to verify the truth or to piece together the puzzle of understanding. Yet when they stepped out of that shikumen house, what they took with them was not merely a collection of photographs, but a China that defied the simplistic labels imposed by Western media—a China that was real and complex.

　　As that Mexican guy Alberto said:

　　“Unless you come and see for yourself, you’ll never know what the truth really is.”

　　Authors: Li Jiajia, Li Qiuying, Yang Haiyan, Xu Jing, and Huang Tianyi (Intern)

　　Editor: Ding Baoxiu

　　Proofread by: Wei Yuan

　　Editor: Ma Xueling

　　( China News Service WeChat Official Account)

[Editor: Liu Huan]