Zhongnanhai facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Zhongnanhai 中南海
Xinhuamen, the "Gate of New China", built by Yuan Shikai, today the formal entrance to the Zhongnanhai compound
General information
Architectural style	Traditional Chinese Architecture
Address	174 Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing
Coordinates	39°54′41″N 116°22′50″E / 39.9113°N 116.3805°E / 39.9113; 116.3805
Current tenants	General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Office of the General Secretary President of China Vice President of China Premier of China Vice Premiers of China State Council State Council General Office State Council Research Office Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee General Office

Zhongnanhai

Chinese

中南海

Literal meaning

"Central and Southern Lakes"

Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	Zhōngnánhǎi
Wade–Giles	Chung¹-nan²-hai³
IPA	[ʈʂʊ́ŋ.nǎn.xài̯]

A map of Zhongnanhai. The bottom shows Xinhua Gate (1758). The island is Yingtai Island (1421). To the northeast is Qinzheng Hall (1980). To the northwest is Beneficence Garden (1722). Huairen Hall (1888) is in the center-west. Ziguang Hall (1567) is in the north.

A modern map of Zhongnanhai with English labels.

Zhongnanhai (Chinese: 中南海) is a special place in Beijing, China. It is where the main leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese government work and sometimes live. It used to be a beautiful imperial garden. Zhongnanhai is right next to the famous Forbidden City.

When people say "Zhongnanhai," they often mean the Chinese central government and its leaders. Important leaders like the President and the General Secretary of the CCP do a lot of their daily work here. They also meet with leaders from other countries. Chinese TV often shows meetings inside Zhongnanhai, but it usually only shows the inside of the buildings.

The layout of Zhongnanhai has changed a lot over time. Many buildings today have old names but look different and are used for new purposes. The complex is split into two main parts. The northern part is for the State Council, which is like China's cabinet. The southern part is for the CCP Central Committee, which includes top party groups like the Politburo Standing Committee.

Zhongnanhai started to take its current shape during the Ming dynasty. The Yongle Emperor created a garden retreat here. Later, during the Qing dynasty, it became the main center of government. After the Republic of China was formed, Yuan Shikai, the first president, made Zhongnanhai the official government center. In 1949, Mao Zedong, the leader of the CCP, moved into the complex. He met many important world leaders here, like Richard Nixon. Mao loved to swim and read by the indoor swimming pool in a place called the Poolside House.

Exploring Zhongnanhai's Location
A Look at Zhongnanhai's History
- Zhongnanhai Today
Inside Zhongnanhai: Key Buildings
- The Central Sea Area
- The Southern Sea Area
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Zhongnanhai's Location

A map of Zhongnanhai from the Republican era. The water is green. The western side of the Forbidden City is on the right.

A 1950s map showing Zhongnanhai, labeled as Chung Hai (Central Sea) and Nan Hai (Southern Sea).

The name Zhongnanhai means "Central and Southern Seas." This refers to two lakes inside the compound: the Central Sea (中海) and the Southern Sea (南海). These lakes were part of a bigger project when the Imperial City was built. The "Northern Sea," or "Beihai" (北海), is now a public park next door.

All three lakes – Northern, Central, and Southern – are connected and were once called the Taiye Lake. This lake was the heart of a large imperial garden known as Western Park (Xiyuan). This park had beautiful lands along the shores, surrounded by a red wall. Many old buildings like pavilions and temples from that time are still there.

A Look at Zhongnanhai's History

The Pavilion of the Water and Cloud, located on the eastern bank of the Central Sea.

During the Jin dynasty (1115–1235), the northern lake was built in 1189. The northern part of Zhongnanhai was the original Taiye Lake, with a palace called "Palace of Great Peace." In the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), Taiye Lake became part of the Imperial City and was made bigger.

When the Ming dynasty moved its capital to Beijing in 1403, the Imperial Palace was built. A new Southern Sea was dug to the south of the existing lake. The dirt from digging was used to create Jingshan, a hill north of the Forbidden City. The three lakes were connected and called Taiye Lake. This was part of a huge royal park called Xiyuan (Western Park). Later Ming emperors spent more time here than in the Forbidden City.

After the Qing dynasty took over, they made Xiyuan smaller, focusing on the three lakes. Emperors built many pavilions and houses along the lakes. They would often work here in the summer. During the late Qing dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi and the Emperor often lived in Zhongnanhai. They only went to the Forbidden City for special events.

During the Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901), foreign troops took over Zhongnanhai. Many valuable items were stolen. Later, the commander of the Eight-Nation Alliance even lived there.

Zhongnanhai remained important when the Republic of China was formed in 1912. Yuan Shikai made it his presidential palace. He wanted the government to be close to the Forbidden City. Yuan created the main entrance we see today, Xinhua Gate or "Gate of New China." He also renamed Zhongnanhai the Palace of the New China. When the Republic of China government moved its capital to Nanjing, Zhongnanhai became a public park.

After the CCP took over Beijing in 1949, their leaders decided to make Zhongnanhai their main headquarters. Mao Zedong initially didn't want to move in, as he didn't want to seem like an emperor. But for security reasons, it was chosen. Since then, Zhongnanhai has been the main center of government for the People's Republic of China.

When the CCP leaders first moved in, many buildings were old and the gardens were overgrown. Zhongnanhai also needed modern offices. So, many buildings were renovated and new ones were built, especially in the 1970s.

Zhongnanhai Today

The Hall of Purple Light (Ziguang Ge) today. It is used for state receptions.

Today, Zhongnanhai is mostly closed to the public. After the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, security was greatly increased. You can't visit it unless you have special permission. Maps of Beijing usually show Zhongnanhai as just a green area with water.

The most important entrance is the southern one, called Xinhuamen (Xinhua Gate). It has two big slogans on the walls: "long live the great Chinese Communist Party" and "long live the invincible Mao Zedong Thought." Behind the gate, there is a screen wall with the words "Serve the People" written by Mao Zedong.

Zhongnanhai is officially the home for top CCP leaders. However, many senior leaders choose to live in other homes in Beijing. For example, former leader Hu Jintao and current leader Xi Jinping have homes in the Jade Spring Hill area. There isn't a fixed system for who gets which house in Zhongnanhai. If a leader passes away, their family can often stay in the house for a long time.

A painting from the late 1700s. It shows a reception for the Qing Army at the Hall of Purple Light.
Empress Dowager Cixi and her servants on a boat in Zhonghai in the early 1900s.
A procession of Leo Karakhan, the USSR Ambassador, outside the Xinhua Gate of Zhongnanhai (1923–26).
Leaders of the People's Republic in 1954. From left: Zhu De, Mao Zedong, Chen Yun and Zhou Enlai outside the Hall of Purple Light.
Chinese leader Hu Jintao with U.S. President George W. Bush and former U.S. President George H. W. Bush at Yingtai in Zhongnanhai (2008).

Inside Zhongnanhai: Key Buildings

An annotated map of Zhongnanhai. Click on the links for
more information about each building.

The Central Sea Area

The buildings around the Central Sea (Chinese: 中海) are where the State Council has its offices. This includes the offices of the Premier and Vice Premiers. Important guests from other countries are usually welcomed here. This area is also called the North District.

Regent Palace: A Hub for Government

The original Regent Palace (traditional Chinese: 攝政王府; simplified Chinese: 摄政王府) was a large mansion. Today, this area holds the main meeting rooms and offices for the State Council. The large building here is where the State Council's main office helps with meetings. The State Council has six meeting rooms for conferences and making policies.

During the Ming dynasty, the Jiajing Emperor built Wanshou Palace here. Later, the building known as Regent Palace was named after Zaifeng, Prince Chun, who started building his palace here in 1909. Under the Republic of China, it was first the Prime Minister's office, then the President's home.

After 1949, it became the headquarters for the Premier and the State Council. In the late 1970s, the old building was found to be in poor condition. So, it was torn down and rebuilt completely. Today, this is where many of the State Council's meeting rooms are located.

West Flower Hall: Premier Zhou Enlai's Home

A replica of West Flower Hall built in Tianjin.

West Flower Hall (simplified Chinese: 西花厅; traditional Chinese: 西花廳) is in the northwest part of Zhongnanhai. It was built as living quarters for Regent Palace. This building was the personal home of Premier Zhou Enlai. He met and ate with foreign guests in the front courtyard. His personal office and bedroom were in the back. After Zhou's death, his wife Deng Yingchao lived here until 1990.

Next to it is East Flower Hall, where Vice Premier Li Xiannian lived. Later, a large house was built nearby for Hua Guofeng. After Hua Guofeng lost power, Li Xiannian moved into this house.

Premier's Office: Where Leaders Work

The Premier's Office (Chinese: 总理办公室) is where the Premier and Vice Premiers of the State Council work today. These offices are for the people currently holding these positions. When their term ends, they move out. This office does not have a front gate like other buildings.

Fourth Conference Room: Important Meetings

The Fourth Conference Room (Chinese: 第四会议室) is a meeting room for the State Council. It is used for meetings with officials and special guests who are not part of the government. There is a traditional Chinese gate and courtyard in front for photos. This room was last rebuilt in 2003.

Ziguang Hall: Welcoming World Leaders

Ziguang Hall, around 1879.

Ziguang Hall (Ziguangge; Chinese: 紫光阁; ) means Hall of Purple Light. It is a two-story building on the western bank of the Central Sea. It was first a platform for military exercises during the Ming dynasty. Later, it was rebuilt and used by Qing emperors to inspect their guards and receive visitors.

Today, Ziguang Hall is the main place in Zhongnanhai for meeting foreign diplomats and world leaders. A large modern meeting area was added to its western side. The State Council Auditorium is connected to Ziguang Hall. It is used for ceremonies and conferences on specific policy topics.

Tennis Court: A Place for Recreation

An outdoor tennis court was built in Zhongnanhai in the early 2000s. The building around it was updated in 2006. The Zhongnanhai clinic is located just north of the tennis court.

Indoor Pool: Mao Zedong's Favorite Spot

An indoor swimming pool was built in 1955. Mao Zedong used this pool often. He sometimes stayed and worked by the pool for many hours. In 1958, Mao even met Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev at this pool. Today, senior party leaders use the pool, and there is also a workout area.

Poolside House: Mao's Later Home

The Zhongnanhai outdoor swimming pool was built in 1933 and was open to the public. After Zhongnanhai became a government area, a Poolside House was built next to it for Mao Zedong. Mao often swam or read books and reports by the pool. So, a reception room, bedroom, and study were built there.

Mao moved into the Poolside House permanently in 1966. In his later years, foreign leaders like Richard Nixon would visit him here. After Mao's death in 1976, Deng Yingchao lived here briefly. During the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, President Yang Shangkun also lived here for safety.

Yanqing House: A History of Change

Yanqing House (simplified Chinese: 延庆楼; traditional Chinese: 延慶樓) was built around 1922 during the Beiyang Government. Cao Kun, a leader at the time, used it as his workplace. His family lived in nearby buildings. After Cao Kun was overthrown, he was held prisoner in Yanqing House for two years. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1947. Today, a one-story building stands on the former site.

Wan Shan Temple: A Place of Peace

Wan Shan Temple (simplified Chinese: 万善殿; traditional Chinese: 萬善殿), also called Thousand Benevolence Hall, is a Buddhist Temple on the eastern bank of the Central Sea. It was built by the Qing dynasty's Shunzhi Emperor. Inside, there are statues of the Buddha. Behind the temple is Thousand Sage Hall, which has a seven-story pagoda.

Water Clouds Pavilion: A Scenic Spot

The Water Clouds Pavilion is on an island in the Central Sea. It has a stone tablet with words carved by the Qianlong Emperor, describing the "Autumn Wind on the Taiye Lake."

The Southern Sea Area

The Southern Sea (Nanhai, Chinese: 南海) area is the main headquarters for the CCP. This includes the office of the General Secretary and the staff of the Central Committee General Office. This area also has meeting places for the Politburo and Politburo Standing Committee. It is known as the South District.

Huairen Hall: Key Meeting Place

Huairen Hall in 1954.

Huairen Hall (simplified Chinese: 怀仁堂; traditional Chinese: 懷仁堂; literally "Hall of Cherished Compassion") is a two-story Chinese-style hall. It is used by the CCP for important meetings of the Politburo and Politburo Standing Committee. It also hosts meetings for other important CCP groups.

This building was the daily workplace of Dowager Empress Cixi. After the Boxer Rebellion, it was damaged by fire but rebuilt. After the Republic of China was founded, President Yuan Shikai used it to meet foreign guests.

In September 1949, the first meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference was held here. In 1952, a two-story auditorium was added. This new hall was used for the first session of the National People's Congress in 1954. Huairen Hall became a central government auditorium, hosting art shows and political meetings.

Qinzheng Hall: The General Secretary's Office

CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping in his office.

Qinzheng Hall before 1980, during the signing of the Seventeen Point Agreement.

Qinzheng Hall (Chinese: 勤政殿; pinyin: Qínzhèng Diàn) is the headquarters of the Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party. It is also where the office of the party's General Secretary is located. This title is currently held by the top leader of the country. The building also has a meeting room for the Politburo Standing Committee.

The General Secretary's personal office is located here. There is a special secure phone line from Qinzheng Hall to the White House in Washington, D.C., for high-level talks with American leaders.

The original Qinzheng Hall was built by the Kangxi Emperor. It was the main hall of Zhongnanhai and the Emperor's main living and working space. After the 1911 revolution, it was used for government meetings. In the late 1970s, the building was torn down and rebuilt. The new Qinzheng Hall opened in March 1980 as the Secretariat's new headquarters.

Benevolence Hall: A Former Headquarters

The reception area inside Jurentang.

The former Benevolence Hall (Chinese: 居仁堂) was a two-story Western-style palace. It was first called the Hall of the Calm Sea (Haiyantang) during the Qing dynasty. Empress Dowager Cixi used it to entertain guests. After the Boxer Rebellion, it was used by the Eight Nation Alliance commander.

After the Republic of China was founded, Yuan Shikai renamed it Hall of Benevolence (Jurentang). After 1949, it was the first headquarters for the Central Military Commission of the CCP. In 1956, the CCP Secretariat moved here. However, the building was old and unsafe. It was torn down in 1964. The area is now an open park.

Four Blessing Halls: Homes for Early Leaders

The Four Blessing Halls (Chinese: 四福堂; traditional Chinese: 四福堂; ) were built during the time of the Qianlong Emperor. They are named Yongfutang, Laifutang, Zengfutang, and Xifutang. After 1949, these buildings became homes for important early party officials. For example, China's first Defense Minister Peng Dehuai lived in Yongfutang.

West Building Compound: Offices and Residences

West Building Compound seen from outside the west wall of Zhongnanhai.

The West Building Compound (Chinese: 西楼大院) is in the southwest part of Zhongnanhai. It was built from 1949 to 1951 to provide offices and apartments for the staff of the Central Committee General Office. It includes a main hall and other buildings named A, B, C, D, and F. Many secretarial staff work here. It also has a large kitchen and cafeteria for staff.

This complex was once the office for the State Chairman, Premier, and Vice Chairmen who were CCP members. For example, Liu Shaoqi's office was in Building A. In 1962, Liu Shaoqi held an important meeting here to discuss the country's economic problems.

Between 2007 and 2008, part of the old West Building Compound was replaced with a new building. The Central Committee General Office now has offices both inside and outside Zhongnanhai. The main gate used by staff to move between these buildings is called the "Great West Gate."

Garden of Abundant Beneficence: A Historical Retreat

Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Chen Yi and Zhang Wentian outside of Dianxu Hall in the Garden of Abundant Beneficence (1956).

The Garden of Abundant Beneficence (simplified Chinese: 丰泽园; traditional Chinese: 豐澤園) has buildings built by the Kangxi Emperor. The Qianlong Emperor later added more buildings, using them as libraries and a personal retreat.

The largest building in the garden is Dianxu Hall. During the Beiyang Government, the President's office was here. After 1949, Dianxu Hall became a general meeting area for CCP officials. Mao Zedong often held Politburo meetings here because it was close to his house.

The Garden of Abundant Beneficence also holds Mao Zedong's first personal home and office, called the Library of Chrysanthemum Fragrance (Chinese: 菊香书屋). This building was used by Mao from 1949 to 1966. It was a courtyard-style building with halls for books. Mao's bedroom and study were in the north hall. After Mao's death, the Library of Chrysanthemum Fragrance was kept as a museum, but it is not open to the public.

Shuqingyuan Pavilion: Security Headquarters

The Shuqingyuan Pavilion (Chinese: 淑清院) is in the northeast corner of the Southern Sea. It was built for the Qianlong Emperor as part of a small garden. After 1959, the original building was removed. A barracks and offices for Unit 8341, the Zhongnanhai security guard regiment, were built here.

Building 202: Mao's Last Home

Building 202 was built in 1974 as a special earthquake shelter. Mao Zedong moved here from Poolside House after the 1976 Tangshan earthquake. Mao passed away in this building on September 9, 1976. During the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, Premier Li Peng also lived in Building 202 for safety.

Western Four Houses: Residences for Leaders

The Four Western Houses (Chinese: 西四所) were built as part of the Huairen Hall complex. They were originally living quarters for palace staff. After 1949, the Propaganda Department was located here. Later, these four buildings became homes for leaders like Li Fuchun, Tan Zhenlin, Deng Xiaoping, and Chen Yi. After Chen Yi's death, Zhao Ziyang lived in one of these houses.

Wanzi Gallery: A Rebuilt Area

The original buildings in the Wanzi Gallery (Chinese: 万字廊) area were built by the Qianlong Emperor in 1742. During his presidency, Liu Shaoqi lived in a building here called Fuluju. After Liu was removed from power, both the original Wanzi Gallery and Fuluju were torn down. Wanzi Gallery was later rebuilt.

Yingtai Island: A Historic Island

Yingtai Island sometime before 1949.

Yingtai Island (simplified Chinese: 瀛台; traditional Chinese: 瀛臺) is an artificial island in the Southern Sea. It was finished in 1421 by the Ming Emperor Yongle. The island is connected to the shore by a stone bridge. There is a main temple and a two-story pavilion called Penglai Pavilion.

In 1898, Empress Dowager Cixi imprisoned Emperor Guangxu at Hanyuan Temple on Yingtai. He later died here in 1908. Since 1949, Yingtai is used for banquets and other events. Some say Jiang Zemin lived in Hanyuan Temple on Yingtai Island when he was the top leader.

Xinhua Gate: The Main Entrance

Xinhua Gate entrance in 2003, showing the text "为人民服务" in the center.

The Xinhua Gate (simplified Chinese: 新华门; traditional Chinese: 新華門) is the main entrance to Zhongnanhai. It is located north of West Chang'an Avenue. The gate was first built by the Qianlong Emperor in 1758 as a pavilion. After the 1911 Revolution, Yuan Shikai turned it into a gate and named it "Xinhua Gate" in 1912.

Today, the walls on both sides of Xinhua Gate have slogans: "Long live the great Chinese Communist Party" and "long live invincible Mao Zedong Thought." On the door, you can see the words "为人民服务" in Mao Zedong's handwriting. In 1959, an underground tunnel was built between Xinhua Gate and the Great Hall of the People. This tunnel was only for members of the Politburo Standing Committee.

Images for kids

Office buildings in the State Council area of Zhongnanhai.
The western wall of the Zhongnanhai compound and Imperial City of Beijing.
A road inside Zhongnanhai.
A view from the central part of Zhongnanhai across the Middle Sea. You can see the bridge that divides Zhongnanhai from Beihai Park, with the White Stupa of the Beihai Park in the distance.