On a sunny Saturday in Shanghai, we departed the hotel after lunch on 22 April for the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
According to the literature we were given, the first CPC National Congress site is typical of Shanghai Shikumen architectural style. It was built in 1920, and in July of the next year, the first CPC National Congress convened, and the Party was founded. The site was first opened to the public in 1952 and listed under state protection in 1961. In 2021, the newly built memorial was officially opened.
Booklets and speeches at the Memorial of the CPC’s First National Congress, Shanghai. Photo: SLCT
The displays, in my opinion, were really well curated. Displays showed booklets and speeches, unequal treaties and indemnities, official currencies of Shanghai, photos of students in France, statutes of founding members and photographs of the movers and shakers who founded the Party that would lead China to where it is today. The rooms were crowded, and there were still groups waiting to go in, according to time slots.
Official currencies at the Memorial of the CPC’s First National Congress, Shanghai. Photo: SLCT
While taking photos in the first hall, a barking of orders suddenly drew my attention. A group of teenagers formed lines at attention to listen to another guide (I assumed) talk about party business, and then they saluted. I managed to capture an image before they vanished among the crowds. It was heartening to see all ages looking at the displays and installations. I watched several elder men closely observing the exhibits and the photographs. I swear one elder was almost moved to tears, and so was I, watching the emotion cross his face.
Taking the salute at the Memorial of the CPC’s First National Congress, Shanghai. Photo: SLCT
Against a background of bold red, the exhibits were well texted in Mandarin and English, making them easy to follow. The displays were varied and rich, showing a rounded history of the founding of the CPC in an understated manner and achievements and the people who made them happen to the present time. From Day 1, has been the same objective – to rejuvenate the Chinese nation and a better life for the Chinese people.
Opening a new road for Chinese Revolution, at the Memorial of the CPC’s First National Congress, Shanghai. Photo: SLCT
Sculptures and large paintings made the history in the memorial come alive… in fact, it felt as if history was physically coming to greet you. Everywhere I looked, people were engaged in the displays, pouring over the manuscripts, looking at artefacts and garments. There was a sense of reverence and a sense of awe, that China weathered all of this to fulfil its prime objective of a better nation for its people.
History coming to greet you, at the Memorial of the CPC’s First National Congress, Shanghai. Photo: SLCT
The epilogue at the Memorial of the CPC’s First National Congress, Shanghai. Photo: SLCT
The epilogue made me smile: “As the old Chinese saying goes, “Never forget why you started, and your mission can be accomplished.” Perhaps similarly curated memorials of historic events in Grenada would be helpful so we know where and why we started and more importantly, what our mission is going forward.