THE former residence of the Soong family, who were among the most influential figures in early-20th-century China, is to open to the public.

This will come after welfare organization the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation moves into the two-story mansion, that dates from 1908, at the junction of Shaanxi Rd and Nanyang Road, authorities said yesterday.

The Soong family were major figures in the Republic of China era (1912-1949) and moved into the house in 1918.