Xibaipo Memorial Museum is located in Xibaipo Town, Pingshan County, in Hebei province, roughly 90 kilometres north-west of Shijiazhuang beside the G207 road. The village on the Hutuo River was chosen as the final wartime base of the Chinese Communist Party leadership. From May 1948, the Central Committee, with Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Liu Shaoqi, Zhu De and Ren Bitong, moved to Xibaipo, and from there they directed the Liaoshen, Huaihai and Pingjin campaigns, which decided the outcome of the Chinese Civil War. In March 1949, the Second Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee met in the village, where Mao set out the 'two musts' of modesty and hard work and policies for transferring the party's focus from the countryside to the cities. The leadership then left for Beiping in late March 1949. The museum complex consists of the preserved former residences and offices of the leaders, with their simple furnishings, together with a purpose-built exhibition hall that traces the history of the period through photographs, documents and artefacts. The preserved village buildings are modest rural houses of earth and brick, and the museum presents them as examples of the austere conditions of the revolutionary leadership. A memorial hall and a monument add a commemorative dimension. The site is an important destination in China's patriotic education and 'red tourism' programme, so many visitors arrive in organised groups. The exhibition is chronological and thematic. Visitors typically allow two to three hours to see the residences and the main exhibition. Entry is free, but visitors must show a passport or Chinese ID card.
| Admission | Free with passport or ID |
|---|---|
| Hours | May-Oct 8:30 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00-5:30 PM; Nov-Apr 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00-5:00 PM |
| Address | Xibaipo Town, Pingshan County, Shijiazhuang (beside the G207 road) |
Why it matters
Xibaipo served as the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee from May 1948 to March 1949, and the final campaigns of the Civil War were directed from the village. The Second Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee, held there in March 1949, set out the policies for governing a new China.
Location
Xibaipo Town, Pingshan County, Shijiazhuang (beside the G207 road)
38.3395, 113.9385 View on map
Highlights
- Preserved residences and offices of Mao Zedong and other leaders
- Exhibition hall covering the 1948-1949 campaigns and party history
- Site of the March 1949 Second Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee
- Rural village setting beside the Hutuo River valley
Tips for visiting
- Bring a passport or Chinese ID card, which is required for free entry.
- Note the midday closure of roughly 12:00 PM to 1:00 or 2:00 PM, depending on the season.
- Allow two to three hours including the preserved residences.
- Arrange transport in advance, as the site is about 90 km from Shijiazhuang.
- Weekday mornings avoid the largest tour groups.
When to visit
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Avoid national holidays, when crowds are heaviest.
Accessibility
The exhibition hall is modern and accessible, but the preserved village houses have uneven ground and narrow doorways.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Xibaipo Memorial Museum take?
Two to three hours is typical for the exhibition hall and the preserved residences.
Is Xibaipo Memorial Museum English-language friendly?
Exhibits are mainly in Chinese, with limited English captions. A guide or translation app helps considerably.
Can children visit Xibaipo Memorial Museum?
Yes. School groups are common, though the content is historical and text-heavy, so it suits older children best.