This Day in History: Founding of the Communist Party of China

By Ned Kelly, July 23, 2022

4 0

Founded in Shanghai in July 1921, the Communist Party of China turns 101 this month. The First National Congress took place on July 23, but, for simplicity’s sake, July 1 has become the anniversary on which the CPC is celebrated.

The venue was a typical Shanghai shikumen-style residence at 76-78 Xingye Lu, in what is now Xintiandi. You’ll find the Museum of the First National Congress of the CPC there today.

Thirteen delegates representing 53 members secretly convened in one of the sitting rooms on the ground floor. CPC cofounders Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao were there, while Mao Zedong represented Hunan.

Meanwhile, Dutch-born Communist Henk Sneevliet was the Russian Comintern representative.

READ MORE: This Day in History: The Foreign Founder Member of the CPC

Today, the CPC is the world’s second largest political party, with a membership exceeding 95 million. The largest is India's Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with more than 180 million members.


For more, This Day in History stories, click here.

See a listing for Museum of the First National Congress of the CPC.

[Image via Chinese Posters]

more news

Stunning Photos Capture 2nd Opium War & Warlord Era China

Liu Heung Shing's 'China in Revolution: The Road to 1911'

This Day in History: The Discovery of Peking Man

And its mysterious disappearance in World War II...

Canton Fair: A Journey of History & Surprises

From humble beginnings to a global trade powerhouse

This Day in History: Zidane's Headbutt Made Football Legend

Will we see another dramatic twist or iconic moment this year?

Ho Chi Minh City: A Journey Through Culture, History & Leisure

Vietjet flies direct to this captivating destination from Shanghai & Chengdu.

This Day in History: The Death of Puyi, China’s Last Emperor

Puyi was only 3 years old when he sat on the 'Dragon Throne.'

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at ThatsGuangzhou for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Guangzhou With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's !

Visit the archives