Te Yuan, the courtyard known as the “Home of Democracy,” was once an important venue where the Communist Party of China and various democratic parties, as well as patriotic democratic figures, gathered to discuss state affairs. During the Chongqing negotiations, Mao Zedong visited Te Yuan three times, engaging in heartfelt conversations with democratic figures such as Zhang Lan and jointly sketching out blueprints for the nation. Mao Zedong once said at Te Yuan, “Today, we gather in the ‘Home of Democracy’; in the future, we will work together to live in a democratic nation.” This place is not only a historical witness to the sincere cooperation between the Communist Party of China and democratic parties and patriots but also illuminated the path forward for countless people seeking light in that era.

Te Yuan

Te Yuan is a traditional Chinese garden located in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty. Its name, meaning “Garden of Leisure,” reflects its design as a private retreat for contemplation, featuring classic elements like ponds, rockeries, and pavilions. Although restored in later periods, it remains a fine example of Jiangnan garden artistry from the Ming and Qing eras.

Home of Democracy

The “Home of Democracy” commonly refers to ancient Athens, where the first known democratic system was established in the 5th century BCE under reforms by leaders like Cleisthenes. This direct democracy allowed eligible male citizens to participate in assemblies and vote on laws, laying a foundational model for modern representative governments.

Communist Party of China

The Communist Party of China (CPC), founded in 1921, is the founding and ruling party of the People’s Republic of China. It led the Chinese people through decades of revolutionary struggle, establishing the PRC in 1949, and has since been the core leadership force guiding China’s development and reform.

Chongqing negotiations

The Chongqing negotiations were a series of talks held in 1945 between the Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, and the ruling Kuomintang (Nationalist) government under Chiang Kai-shek, aimed at forming a coalition government and averting civil war following the Second Sino-Japanese War. Although a temporary agreement was reached, the negotiations ultimately failed, leading to the full resumption of the Chinese Civil War in 1946. This pivotal event is a significant chapter in modern Chinese history, marking the final attempt at peaceful political unification before the Communist victory in 1949.

Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong (1893-1976) was the founding father of the People’s Republic of China and the chairman of the Chinese Communist Party from 1943 until his death. He led the Chinese Communist Revolution to victory in 1949, and his ideology, Mao Zedong Thought, remains a cornerstone of the Party’s guiding principles. His legacy is complex, encompassing both the establishment of modern China and the profound societal transformations of his leadership period.

Zhang Lan

Zhang Lan was a prominent Chinese educator and democratic political figure, not a physical place or cultural site. He was a key leader of the China Democratic League in the mid-20th century and served as its first Chairman. He is remembered for his advocacy of democratic principles and his role in China’s political landscape during the founding of the People’s Republic.