Former Homes of the Famous

Former Residence of Soong Qing-ling

Along with her famous sisters, Soong Qing-ling, 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, and her support for 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 effects on display.

46 Houhai Bei'an, Xicheng District 
+86 10 6404 4205, ext. 815            9 a.m.-5 p.m. 
20 yuan                                            5, 27, 44, 55

Former Residence of Lao She

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?966) is one of China's most beloved and respected writers. Lao She's house is fascinating for fans of his touching work.

19 Fengfu Hutong, Dengshikou Xijie, Dongcheng District
+86 10 6514 2612                              8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.  
10 yuan
60, 103, 104, 108 (debark at Dengshixikou)

Former Residence of Mao Dun

Mao Dun, the nom de plume of writer Shen Yanbing (he also used the name Dehong), was active in the famous May 4th 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 since 1949. The house is situated in a truly historic hutong.

13 Hou Yuan'ansi Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng District 
+86 10 6404 0520                                     9 a.m.-5 p.m.  
5 yuan                                                       13, 101, 102, 103

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

18 Qianhai Xijie, Xicheng District
+86 10 6612 5392, 6666 4681  
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed Mondays)            10 yuan 
13, 107, 111, 118, 701, 810, 823

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

19 Gongmenkou Ertiao, Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District   
+86 10 6616 4168                        9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed Mondays) 
5 yuan                                          13, 101, 102, 103

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

9 Huguosi Jie, Xicheng District
+86 10 6618 3598 
9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
10 yuan
13, 22, 38, 47, 107, 111, 409, 709, 726, 806, 810

The Palace of Prince Gong
The palace is Beijing's best-kept and biggest courtyard (siheyuan), it is said to be the model for Cao Xueqin's Dream of the Red Mansions.

14A Liuyin Jie, Xicheng District 
20 yuan
13, 107, 111, 701, 801, 823