Former Homes of the Famous

1. Former Residence of Soong Qingling 宋庆龄故居

With her sisters, Soong Qingling, a former Honorary Chairman of the People's Republic of China, was one of the first Chinese women educated in the West. She was an advocate of women's rights even before marrying the late Dr. Sun Yat-sen and becoming China's first "first lady." She was very active in national politics and in the women's movement before and after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Her belief-that women's liberation must be part of the Chinese revolution-along with the creation of the All-China Women's Federation in 1949, helped to shape the policies of China pertaining to women. Her former home has many of her personal items and ephemera on display.

Address: 46 Houhai Beiyan, Xicheng District

西城区后海北岸46号

Tel: +86 10 6404 4205, ext. 815

Opening hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: 20 yuan

Bus: 5, 27, 44, 55

 

2.Former Residence of Lao She 老舍故居

As the author of the famed Rickshaw Boy, Tea House and Four Generations Under One Roof, Lao She (the nom de plume of Shu Qingchun, 1899-1966) is one of China's most beloved and respected writers. Lao She's house is fascinating for fans of his touching work.

Address: 19 Fengfu Hutong, Dengshikou Xijie，Dongcheng District

东城区灯市口西街丰富胡同19号

Tel: +86 10 6514 2612

Opening hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: 10 yuan

Bus: 60, 103, 104, 108, get off at the Dengshixikou bus stop

 

3. Former Residence of Mao Dun 茅盾故居

Mao Dun, the nom de plume of writer Shen Yanbing (he also used the name Dehong), was active in the famous May 4^th Movement, the founder of the Literary Study Society in 1920 and was a promoter of literary realism in China. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, he served as a minister in the Ministry of Central Culture, vice-chairman of the country's Political and Consultative Committee. He also served as vice-chairman of the China Culture League and chairman of the China Writers Association for long time. The house is situated in a truly historic hutong.

Address: 13 Hou Yuan'ensi Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng District

东城区交道口后圆恩寺胡同13号

Tel: +86 10 6404 0520

Opening hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: 5 yuan

Bus: 13, 101, 102, 103

 

4. Former Residence of Guo Moruo 郭沫若故居

Guo Moruo is one of China's most prominent writer-poets. He was awarded many prestigious honours including the Stalin Peace Prize in 1951. His former house and gardens are immaculately preserved.

Address: 18 Qianhai Xijie, Xicheng District

西城区前海西街18号

Tel: +86 10 6612 5392, 6666 4681

Opening hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed on Mon.)

Admission: 10 yuan

Bus/Subway: 13, 107, 111, 118, 701, 810, 823

 

5. Former Residence of Lu Xun 鲁迅故居

Lu Xun (1881-1936), father of modern Chinese literature, wrote many of his essays and novels in this small courtyard garden.

Address: 19 Ertiao, Gongmenkou, Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District

西城区阜成门内大街宫门口二条19号

Tel: +86 10 6616 4168

Open: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed Mon.)

Admission: 5 yuan

Bus: 13, 101, 102, 103

 

6. Former Residence of Mei Lanfang 梅兰芳故居

Most of the 30,000 relics belonging to Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), a Peking Opera master, on display are genuine including miscellaneous historic materials, photographs, art and international cultural exchange documents.

Address: 9 Huguosi Jie, Xicheng District

西城区护国寺街9号

Tel: +86 10 6618 3598

Open: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed Mon.)

Admission: 10 yuan

Bus: 13, 22, 38, 47, 107, 111, 409, 709, 726, 806, 810