In two days, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be hosting Chinese President Xi Jingping in the seaside heritage town Mahabalipuram for an informal summit. While the upcoming visit has been much talked about, there remains a lesser known visit to Mahabalipuram- that of the first Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in December 1956.

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According to the Hindu Newspaper archives, Prime Minister Zhou Enlai arrived in the Madras on December 5, 1956 on a two-day visit. He was received at the Meenambakkam airport by Madras Governor Sri Prakasa and others. Later he was accorded a Civic Reception at the Corporation Stadium (now Nehru Stadium) the same day.

Enlai also visited Mahabalipuram and toured the monuments and sculptures on December 6, 1956; while also speaking to the news media on the international situation. During his visit, he also toured the famed Gemini Studio and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). Governor Sri Prakasa hosted at a banquet at the Raj Bhavan during Zhou's only visit to Madras.

Zee Media Newsroom