Lavish funeral in China for Soong Ching Ling

China went into official mourning Sunday for Soong Ching Ling, widow of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen, who just before her death was made honorary president of the People's Republic. Elaborate arrangements were being made for the most lavish state funeral since the death of Chairman Mao Tse-tung in 1976.

Miss Soong was also the sister-in- law of the late Taiwanese leader Chiang Kai-shek, and in an unprecedented gesture, China offered relatives and friends on Taiwan a free trip to attend her funeral. The invitation, however, was not expected to be accepted. Mme. Chiang Kai-shek, now living in the United States, was not expected to attend, either.

Miss Soong sided with the Communists soon after Sun died in 1925 and criticized Chiang Kai-shek's drift toward the right.