Stilwell Museum/Former Residence of General Stilwell (Shidiwei Jiangjun Jiuju)

Description:

• Stilwell Museum/Former Residence of General Stilwell (Shidiwei Jiangjun Jiuju) -- After Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt sent Gen. Joseph Stilwell (1883-1946) to Chongqing as commander in chief of Allied forces in the China-Burma-India theater of the war. Unfortunately, "Vinegar Joe" and the KMT general he was supposed to advise -- Chiang Kai-shek -- had rather different agendas, not to mention temperaments, and in 1944, at Chiang's urging, Stilwell was relieved of his post. Nonetheless, his contribution to the Burma Road campaign was significant -- reason enough for the local government to continue to maintain a museum honoring him. His disdain for Chiang must also have endeared him to the party. The museum, housed in Stilwell's Chongqing residence, has a collection of newspaper clippings, photographs, letters, and Stilwell's personal belongings. A video tells the Chinese version of Stilwell's tour of duty and includes rare clips. Explanations are in English and Chinese. The Stilwell and Flying Tiger T-shirts sold here make unique gifts.

• © Frommer's 2012