Brilliant people
 Hu Jintao
This great man, one of the most influential in the world, is one of China’s most known faces. Currently, Hu Jintao is the Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China, holding the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the People's Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004.
Born in Anhui province, 1942, Hu Jintao moved to Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, during his early years. At this time, he moved into the home of close relatives and studied. Schools of Taizhou, where Hu Jintao once studied, ate, read, played, and became the great man he is today are open to visitation.
Taizhou Middle School
The Taizhou Middle School is one of the best schools in the region. It is currently being adapted so that tourists can visit without disturbing regular classes. One of the school’s buildings has been kept as it was years ago. This is where Hu Jintao studied. His original desk and bench are still present, and you can sit and imagine what it would have been like to study along with him. The walls of the classroom are covered with class pictures showing China’s President during his early years, and newspaper clippings of some of his greatest achievements.
Another building, where a KTM meeting museum has been created, is of great interest. You`ll want to see this place since it is where Hu Jintao’s dormitory was. Another reason for visiting it is because of its architectural style, typically Chinese.
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Da Pu Primary School
 Viewed from the outside, this apparently normal primary school holds many treasures. This riverside school prides itself on its attention to students’ wants and needs, offering a productive and inspiring environment. One of the top places of inspiration is a 1950’s building that stands almost in the center of the campus, concealed from the eyes people passing by.
This school is another place where Hu Jintao studied. The building in the center, two stories high, was where he spent most of his time. The first floor is dedicated to former students that achieved great success in various fields. The second floor, maintained completely as it was when it was first built, holds the greatest source of inspiration for young generations: Hu Jintao’s classroom.
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 Hu Jintao’s Former Residence (not yet opened to the public)
This home, once belonging to the family of Hu Jintao, is at the moment closed to the public. Soon, the area will be restored to its original style and visitors will be free to stroll around and explore. To visit the area today, you need to enter the China Commercial Bank, walk through the building and out the back door. For a premium view, you can climb to the second floor of the bank building.
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Mei Lanfang
Mei Lanfang is Beijing/Peking Opera’s most famous artists. Many years after his death, he is still regarded as such and occupies an important position in China’s artistic past.
Mei was born, 1894, into a family of Beijing Opera performers and made his stage debut at age 10. In his 50 years of stage career, he performed throughout China and abroad, especially in Japan and the United States.
His interpretations of female roles are said to have been fascinating and his power of expression incredible, captivating all who watched. Though he maintained strong and consistent performances, he never avoided working on new techniques. He added his own flair to traditional characters, shaping a style of his own and forming "The Mei Lanfang School".
Mei’s most famous roles in the opera were of female characters, adding to his uniqueness and garnering his national and international reputation. He was the first artist who spread the opera to foreign countries, taking part in cultural exchanges with artists of Japan and the United States. He was the first artist to win widespread international recognition through Peking Opera to overseas audiences.
Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum
China boasts two museums dedicated to the legacy of Mei Lanfang, one museum is in Beijing, and the other is in Taizhou.
In the eastern suburb of Taizhou City, in a traditional Chinese-style complex, you can learn the inspiring story of Mei Lanfang. This well-kept memorial is full of costumes, makeup materials, photos, painting, films and videos of Mei Lanfang.
Walking through the attraction, this garden like complex will take you back to the 1950’s through furniture, music, decorations, and ambience.
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Gao Er Shi
Gao Er Shi, born in 1903, is considered to have been a master of culture and art. As an outstanding poet, scholar, and calligrapher he entered the literary world with spirit and refinement, being placed among China’s top 20 calligraphers.
The remains of his works have been gathered in Taizhou, a site worthy of your visit.
Gao Er Shi Memorial
This museum and memorial unite the works of two great artists. One, the renowned Gao Ershi, the second the Taiwanese painter Won Won Wei. Halls filled with original stone carvings, antique books, and silk paintings fill the large rooms.
From the outside, the building itself resembles a modest castle with plants and traditional Chinese features.
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Zheng Ban Qiao
Zheng Banqiao (1673-1765), also known as Zheng Xie, was born in the Xinghua district of Taizhou. He began life in poverty, but being a clever studentr, he passed all exams needed to become a magistrate. He assumed this position in the n earby province, Shandong, and held on to it for 12 years. Herer, he gained the reputation of being unrestrained and independent, an eccentric.
As such, he was at odds with his superiors and soon resigned, returning home. Till the end of his days, he served as a noted calligrapher, painter and poet. His drawings of orchids, bamboo, and stones led to the creation of his own personal style of calligraphy. His interest in literature and poetry, allied to his writing style gained him a distinguished position in the Yangzhou Literary Group known as the Eight Eccentrics.
Zheng Ban Qiao Memorial
This memorial is now a county-level museum that pays homage to a number of local artists. There are in total four halls that display exquisite works created during the Qing and Ming dynasties. You will also want to visit the stone boat, a place for relaxation and beauty. The word carving of the pillars and walls will leave you breathless. Another spot of interest is the outdoor gazebo, displaying 47 stone steles given to Zheng Ban Qiao in honor of his work and achievement.
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Zheng Ban Qiao Former Residence
Before leaving for his public office, Zheng Ban Qiao lived with his nanny in this home. Though the works on the wall are not original (they have been placed in museums), the entire house shows how life was during this period. Wood furniture, stone kitchen, and paper windows show the true surroundings.
After spending 12 years in Shandong Province, upon his return home, Mr. Zheng had a great surprise. His home had been taken over by relatives and there was no longer room for him. This is when a dear friend, Lee Shan, offered him a place to live. For visitor convenience, a replica of Zhen Ban Qiao’s second home in Taizhou has been created in this site.
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