Hangzhou Project 704

Behind the Zhejiang Hotel by West Lake sits a mysterious building known as "Project 704," or the Lin Biao Villa, although Lin Biao never actually lived there. Named for its April 1970 construction date, the complex comprises four villas: Building One, Building Two, Building Three, and Building Four, spanning an area of 307 mu (approximately 20.5 hectares). Building One was intended for Lin Biao and his family. Building Two housed a swimming pool, built to cater to Ye Qun's preferences and also for her son, Lin Liguo, to hold beauty contests. In the 1970s, this pool was a world-class semi-Olympic sized pool, equipped with large air conditioners, sound-absorbing panels, automatic circulation and filtration systems, automatic water level control, and an automatic temperature control system. Building Three, opposite Building One, was intended for Lin Biao's four key generals: Huang Yongsheng, Wu Faxian, Li Zuopeng, and Qiu Huizuo, hence its nickname, the Generals' Building. Building Four was meant for Chen Liyun, Lin Biao's representative in Zhejiang. Currently, only Building One is open to the public, with both above-ground and underground sections. The entrance fee is 16 yuan, and a typical visit lasts about an hour. Across from Project 704 is the main branch of the renowned Hangzhou Green Tea Restaurant, which is well worth a visit.