On July 20, 1965 (the 22nd June of the lunar calendar), Li Zongren returned to the mainland of the motherland to settle down.

On July 20, 1965, former acting president Li Zongren and his wife Guo Dejie arrived in Beijing after returning from overseas. Premier Zhou Enlai came to the airport to greet him, accompanied by Li's secretary, Cheng Siyuan.

Li Zongren read a statement at the airport, expressing his gratitude to the Chinese Communist Party and state leaders for their care and warm welcome. He hoped that the Kuomintang people in Taiwan would resolutely return to the embrace of the motherland, unite against the United States, and unite with the outside world, so as to make useful contributions to the completion of the final reunification of the country. He said: "For 16 years, I have treated crimes overseas, and I feel that under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of China and Chairperson Mao Ming, the people of my country have made the country prosperous,... I resolutely returned to China from overseas, hoping to follow the people of my country, participate in socialist construction, and want to contribute to all related patriotic and anti-imperialist causes. "Zhou Enlai hosted Li Zongren and his party that night, and on behalf of the Party Central Committee, the State Council, and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference extended a warm welcome to Li Zongren's determined return.

On the 27th, Mao Zedong received Li Zongren and his wife and Cheng Siyuan. Mao Zedong said: "It's good that you are back. Welcome to you." Li Zongren said: After we came back, we were all happy for the strength of our motherland. Many people overseas miss their motherland and long to return to their motherland. Mao Zedong said: The motherland is stronger than in the past, but it is not very strong. We will have to build it for at least another 20 to 30 years before we can truly become strong. We welcome anyone who goes overseas and is willing to come back. When they came back, we all treated each other with courtesy. Mao Zedong suggested that Li Zongren visit various parts of the country.