Yuzhong, Chongqing

The Cradle of Peace: Inside Guiyuan and the Historic Double Tenth Agreement

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns

Altitude

315m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Guiyuan, located at No. 65 Zhongshan 4th Road in the Yuzhong District of Chongqing, is a small but historically monumental courtyard that played a pivotal role in modern Chinese history. Nestled amidst the bustling city streets, this serene residence was originally built in 1939 by Zhang Zhizhong, a prominent general of the Kuomintang (KMT) and a patriotic democrat. He named the residence "Guiyuan" (Osmanthus Garden) after two sweet-scented osmanthus trees he personally planted in the courtyard. Although the site covers a modest area of about 800 square meters, its significance far exceeds its physical size, serving as a silent witness to the turbulent yet hopeful days of the Chongqing Negotiations in 1945,.

1.The most defining moment for: Guiyuan occurred in August 1945, when Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai flew from Yan'an to Chongqing for peace talks with the KMT government led by Chiang Kai-shek. During this critical period, General Zhang Zhizhong vacated his home to provide a secure residence and office for Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. For 43 days, this elegant villa became the center of political activity where the future of China was debated. It was here that Mao Zedong met with various democratic figures, cultural celebrities, and foreign diplomats, tirelessly working to unite different factions for the sake of peace and democracy,.

The residence itself is a charming two-story brick-and-wood structure that blends Western architectural styles with traditional Chinese elements. The main building sits atop a stone base, featuring a corridor-style layout that exudes simple elegance. The first floor houses a living room and a dining room. The living room, in particular, is the most historically significant space in the house. On October 10, 1945, representatives from both the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) signed the famous "Double Tenth Agreement" (officially the "Summary of Conversations between Representatives of the Government and the Chinese Communist Party") right here. This agreement was a beacon of hope for avoiding civil war and establishing a democratic coalition government,.

On the second floor, visitors can see the office and bedroom used by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. The rooms are furnished simply, preserving the atmosphere of the time. In Mao Zedong's office, a desk, a chair, and a wicker chair recreate the scene where he drafted documents and strategized late into the night. This space reflects the intense pressure and high stakes of the negotiations, where the destiny of the nation hung in the balance.

Today, Guiyuan stands as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. The garden, though small, is lush and tranquil, offering a stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers nearby. The osmanthus trees still stand, their fragrance in autumn reminding visitors of the historic "peace talks" that once took place under their branches. Walking through Guiyuan is not just a tour of a building; it is a journey back to a decisive moment in 1945, allowing visitors to touch the pulse of history and appreciate the wisdom and courage of the leaders who strove for peace,.

✨ Why Visit Guiyuan

✦

Site of the Double Tenth Agreement

Stand in the parlor on the first floor where the historic "Double Tenth Agreement" was signed on October 10, 1945, a landmark event in Chinese history attempting to bring peace after WWII.

✦

Mao Zedong’s Office & Residence

Visit the preserved rooms on the second floor where Chairman Mao lived and worked during the Chongqing Negotiations, offering an intimate look at his life during this high-stakes period.

✦

Zhang Zhizhong’s Former Home

Explore the residence built by the famous patriotic general Zhang Zhizhong, who graciously vacated his home to host the Communist delegation, symbolizing a spirit of cooperation.

✦

Architectural Charm

Admire the exquisite blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles in this 1930s brick-and-wood villa, featuring elegant corridors and a serene courtyard atmosphere.

✦

Osmanthus Garden

Relax in the small but beautiful garden named after the osmanthus trees planted by Zhang Zhizhong, which fill the air with fragrance in the autumn, adding a poetic touch to the historical site.

Location & Nearby

📍 Yuzhong, Chongqing • 🏔️ 315m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Guiyuan Travel Guide

Where is Guiyuan located?

It is located at No. 65 Zhongshan 4th Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, historically known as "China's Most Beautiful Street" due to its rich history and tree-lined avenues,.

What is the "Double Tenth Agreement"? It is a peace agreement signed between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on October 10, 1945, aiming to prevent civil war and establish a democratic government.

Who lived in Guiyuan? It was originally the home of General Zhang Zhizhong. During the Chongqing Negotiations in 1945, it served as the residence and office for Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai,.

Is there an entrance fee? Guiyuan is a free attraction open to the public, but visitors typically need to register with a valid ID to enter.

How much time is needed for a visit? A visit usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is recommended to combine it with a walk along Zhongshan 4th Road to visit nearby sites like Zhou Gongguan and Teyuan.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Guiyuan?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.