Inside Zhongnanhai: Beijing’s Secretive Power Hub Where Xi Hosted Trump

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 09:53 IST

Zhongnanhai is closed to the public and remains one of the most secretive political compounds in the world.

Trump China Visit: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday hosted his US counterpart, Donald Trump, for the second day of talks at Zhongnanhai, the heavily guarded compound that serves as the political nerve centre of China’s Communist leadership.

Often compared to the Kremlin in Russia, Zhongnanhai is the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the State Council. Located beside Beijing’s Forbidden City, the sprawling walled complex houses the residences and offices of China’s top leaders, including President Xi Jinping.

Unlike the White House in the United States, Zhongnanhai is closed to the public and remains one of the most secretive political compounds in the world. Key decisions shaping China’s policies are often made behind its walls before being formally announced.

Jinping’s hosting of Trump at Zhongnanhai is being seen as a significant diplomatic gesture. Trump had not visited Zhongnanhai during his 2017 visit, and the decision to host him there underlines Xi’s personal approach to ties with the US leader, the New York Post reported.

From Imperial Garden To Power Centre

Zhongnanhai, which means “Central and Southern Seas," derives its name from the interconnected lakes within the compound. Originally built as part of imperial gardens, the site has centuries of history linked to Chinese royalty and political intrigue.

One of its lakes dates back to the 12th century. In 1898, Empress Dowager Cixi carried out a coup there against Emperor Guangxu, imprisoning him on Yingtai Island after he attempted reforms aimed at transforming the Qing dynasty into a constitutional monarchy.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Communist leader Mao Zedong selected Zhongnanhai as the residence and office complex for the country’s top leadership.

Historic Meetings Inside Zhongnanhai

The compound has hosted only a handful of foreign leaders over the decades. In 1972, Mao famously welcomed US President Richard Nixon there during the historic visit that paved the way for diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Other leaders who have visited include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. Former US Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama also held meetings and walks with Chinese leaders inside the compound during their visits.

Over the years, Zhongnanhai has evolved from an imperial retreat into a modern political headquarters. State media and reports describe the compound as featuring both traditional Chinese architecture and modern additions such as swimming pools, tennis courts and gymnasiums.

Though access remains tightly restricted, Zhongnanhai continues to symbolise the concentration of political authority in China and remains one of the country’s most important centres of power.

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