Chiang Kai-shek and Soong May-ling pledged to each other at Jiaoshan Mountain

Jiaoshan Mountain is a small island in the middle of the Yangtze River. Originally called Qiaoshan, it was where Jiao Guang, the Hermit of the Mountains, lived when he decided to retreat to seclusion in late Eastern Han Dynasty. Later generations changed the name to “Jiaoshan” in his memory. It is also known as “Fuyu Mountain” for its rippling river and verdant woodland which resemble a jade stone floating above the river. After three failed marriages, Chiang Kai-shek encountered Soong May-ling, and immediately fell into unrequited love. But Soong came from a distinguished family. A debutante with western education, there was no way that her family would allow this relationship. A subordinate to Chiang Kai-shek came to him with an idea: inviting her to Jiaoshan Mountain for a trip. In mid-May, 1927, the 40-year-old Chiang Kai-shek and 30-year-old Soong May-ling had their first date at Jiaoshan Mountain. The couple rode in a new sedan car to the riverside, where they boarded a steam launch heading for Jiaoshan Mountain. On this 10-day trip, they left their accommodation early to visit the places of interest in this region and came back late at night. By May 25th, their relationship grew tremendously to the point where they would marry no one but each other.

According to historical records, although Chiang Kai-shek was a Buddhist, Soong May-ling was a devoted Christian. The couple did not burn incense or pray to the buddhas when they visited Ding Hui Temple on Jiaoshan Mountain. Most of the time during that trip, they just walked side by side for sightseeing.

Apart from sightseeing and spending romantic time together, Chiang also brought Soong to taste all the delicacies of the river, among them was the Jiaoshan Shad, which remains famous to this day. It is said that the couple boarded boats every day holding hands for a taste of the freshly caught shad, a dish that Soong never forgot even in her later life. It is only fair to say that Jiaoshan Mountain is the place where Chiang and Soong kindled their romance.