A historic house in Shanghai, named "Ai Lu", which had belonged to former Kuomintang leader, Chiang Kai-shek's wife Soong May-ling, will be opened to the public, starting from June 10, China's Cultural Heritage Day.

It is the first time the historic, reserved architectural site that is still in use, will welcome visitors on a regular basis, following a latest major renovation, supported by municipal government subsidy.

Situated in Shanghai's western Xuhui District, a district that is rich in historic flavored architectures, the Dongping Street No.9 house is a 1,000 square meter three-floor French-style villa built in the early 1930s.

The house was a dowry property for Chiang Kai-shek when Soong May-ling married him, which added more mystery and attraction to the house.

The house is now still used as a teaching building for a Music Middle School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory.

According to local Xinmin Evening Post reports, the recent major renovation to the house was a massive facelift, which didn't change its original look and flavor.

Meanwhile, in order not to disturb the normal teaching schedule of the Music Middle School, the residence will be only opened to the public on set-date basis.

Shanghai's Xuhui District now still accommodates some 138 historic architectures, most of which are similarly still being in use. Walking along the peaceful and silent streets where these historic residences locate in Shanghai, visitors won't fail to sense their wonderful historical stories and exquisite architectural arts that are still clocked behind the doors.

In order to unveil the historical culture to visitors, the local government has decided to spend three years in overhauling these architectures in four major streets, and facilitate their opening to the public at regular times.

The historic house named "Ai Lu", which is now used as a teaching building for Music Middle School Affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory, will be opened to public starting from June 10, China's Cultural Heritage Day.

(CRIENGLISH.com April 27, 2007)