Meiling Palace

Known as “The First Villa of the Far East”, it served as the official leisure residence for Chiang Kai‑shek and Soong Mei‑ling during the Republic of China era. Completed in 1932, this Sino‑Western composite mansion features a green‑glazed‑tile roof carved with over one thousand phoenix patterns. A circular boulevard lined with French plane‑tree encircles the compound; viewed from above, the ring‑shaped tree belt forms the famous “Emerald Necklace”, with the villa acting as its central sapphire pendant. The building consists of one underground floor plus three above‑ground storeys. Core highlights include the grand banquet hall, open‑air terrace with phoenix‑carved white‑marble railings, Soong Mei‑ling’s master bedroom, private prayer chapel Kaige Hall, private dining chamber, original bathroom suite, underground service quarters and historical‑exhibition zones. Authentic original furniture, stained‑glass windows and vintage daily‑use relics remain well‑preserved. Blending Chinese classical architectural aesthetics and western‑style interior decoration, it delivers strong vintage Republican‑era atmosphere. It ranks among Nanjing’s top‑rated spots for Republican‑style sightseeing, retro‑costume photography and modern‑history exploration.