Hidden historical treasures uncovered

By Lu Feiran  |   2008-11-25  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

PEOPLE may be strolling past the former residences of celebrities or past historical sites in Shanghai without knowing it.

The city's relic authorities have unearthed 690 cultural relics during their latest general investigation, which started in April 2007, such as the former residences of the late premier Zhou Enlai and the composer Nie Er, according to the Shanghai Cultural Relics Administrative Commission.

Zhou's former residence was in Yong'an Lane on Sichuan Road N in Hongkou District. There's nothing special about the house and it's currently used as an ordinary residence, said the commission.

"Zhou's relative Zhou Erliu has confirmed that Zhou stayed in the residence before 1931," said Chen Xiequn, deputy director of the commission.

The residence was also a secret liaison site for the underground Chinese Communist Party, officials said.

"The site has never been recorded in the Party's published historical material," said Chen.

Nie Er's former residence was on Changde Road, Jing'an District. The composer of China's national anthem lived in various locations around the city but this is the first time anyone has known about this residence, said the commission.

The investigation also found historic buildings dating from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The investigation will continue to the end of 2011.