The Zou Taofen Memorial was established in memory of the outstanding patriot and Communist fighter Zou Taofen (1895-1944). His greatest weapon was his pen, with which he wrote words of justice during a time of strife.

Two three-story Shikumen-style buildings, located at No 53 and 54 Wanyi Fang, constitute the main body of the memorial hall. This place is tranquil all year round, with osmanthus trees casting shadows on their beige walls. Zou once lived in the No 54, and it is difficult to link his pioneering articles with such a peaceful building.

The Zou Taofen Memorial is tranquil all year round. [Photo/WeChat account: taofenmuseum]

Zou's former residence is still kept in its 1930s condition, from when the political commentator lived here. The first floor is used as the reception room, where Zou often discussed how to start a publication, establish a publishing house, and fight for national liberation with colleagues and friends. On the second floor situates Zou's study. In the cramped room of no more than 7 square meters, Zou used to write late into the night, attacking the nation's enemy with his piercing words. Furnished with only what is necessary, the master bedroom on the third floor was Zou's personal space.

The reception room in the Zou Taofen Memorial. [Photo/WeChat account: taofenmuseum]

The building at No 53 Wanyi Fang is the exhibition area of the memorial hall. Zou's copper bust in the middle of the hall vividly depicts his gentle yet firm look. Zou's articles of daily use, texts, photos, and videos are arranged around the bust, jointly presenting Zou's transient yet extraordinary life as well as his remarkable endeavors. From his pen to his iconic glasses, every seemingly ordinary object here has witnessed extraordinary events.

As a productive journalist and publisher, Zou published more than eight million words in his life, and some of his writings are exhibited on the second floor, giving visitors a glimpse of the man's great mind. These works not only demonstrate Zou's achievements, but also narrate the history of Life Publishing House, an enterprise established by Zou himself. Life Publishing House has now become the SDX Joint Publishing Company.

Some exhibits in the Zou Taofen Memorial. [Photo/WeChat account: taofenmuseum]

Open: 9 am to 4 pm; Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)

Address: No 53-54 Lane 205, South Chongqing Road, Huangpu district

Transportation: Metro Line 10, Xintiandi Station

Free admission. Visitors are required to make an online reservation at least one day in advance through the "韬奋纪念馆" WeChat mini program.

Contact: 021-63843811

Sources: "taofenmuseum" WeChat account, zoutaofen.com