Home>>>City Guide>>>>Attraction>>>>Beijing

Former Residence of Lu Xun


The Former Residence of Lu Xun (1881-1936) in Beijing 北京鲁迅故居, a Chinese style home built around a courtyard, is situated near Fuchengmen in the West City District. The easternmost room in the northern side of the courtyard belonged to Lu Xun' s mother and the western room to Lun Xun' s wife. The rooms on the southern side of the courtyard served as a sitting room and library. Attached to the northern side of the courtyard is a small room known as the "Tiger Tail," which was used as his study and bedroom.

Lu Xun bought the house in February 1923 with money borrowed from friends, and in the two years and three months that he lived there he wrote Tomb, Wild Grass, Aureole Anthology, Aureole Anthology Part II and the famous collection of short stories entitled uncertainty. As well he completed a large number of translations. Next to the "Tiger Tail"is a tiny garden with a thorny plum tree which, together with the lilac tree in the front courtyard, were planted by Lu Xun himself.
After 1949, Lu Xun's wife Xu Gaungping donated the residence to the state, and in 1856 the government turned it into the Lu Xun Museum. The museum' s courtyard is filled with flowers and trees. Inside the main entrance of the exhibition hall facing the doorway is a commemorative verse, in front of which stands a bronze bust of Lu Xun.

There were only 6 rooms where 3 rooms each on the southern and northern part of the courtyard at the first place. Lu Xun had added side halls on both eastern and western side of the courtyard and thus increased the efficiency of space usage within this limited area. Moreover, he also dug well within this courtyard for the water supply of their daily livings. On top of that, lush green trees and flowers were planted here in order to create a better living space. After all the renovations were completed, Lu Xun, together with his mother and wife had moved here on the May of 1924.
The well which was said dug by Lu Xun himself was situated at the back yard of the residence. The mouth of the well was surrounded by white fences which make you could see it from afar. Anyway, the mouth of the well was closed by two pieces of stone plate. However, the well which previously served as the major water supply for the whole family of Lu Xun was currently left as a dried well.
The bedroom of Lu Xun is normally the last destination for the visit to the Former Residences for Lu Xun. The bedroom which also served as the studio for Lu Xun was situated at the back of the main room. The Beijing locals named this kind of room design as Tiger Tail as it looks as it is located at the back of the main building structure. The total area of this room is less than 10 square meters with a single bed just in front of the window. A desk with an oil lamp, an old-styled alarm clock as well as a photo frame can be found next to the single bed. The photo which was placed within the photo frame was the images of Lu Xun which taken together with his lecturer, Mr. Fujino Genkurou. Lush greenery can be seen through the window.
In year 1926, Lu Xun had left Beijing for his career at Southern part of China. Anyway, his wife Zhu An and his mother still stayed here. After the death of Lu Xun

mother in year 1943, Zhu An turned to be only one who stayed within his courtyard. Although the yard was a bit small when compared to other Siheyuan, the size is more than enough to fulfill the daily living of a single person. She lived here until June 1947 when she passed away. After the death of both Zhu An and Lu Xun mother, the courtyard was abandoned. In order to protect and conserved all the hand writings of Lu Xun as well as his collections of books, one of Lu Xun  best friend had obtained the approval through the Court to take over the right of management of this peaceful courtyard. Therefore, all the belongings of Lu Xun were successfully protected and the whole building was well preserved.

Admission Fee: CNY 5
Opening Hours:     09:00 – 16:00 (Closed on Monday)
Bus Route: 13, 25, 44,101,102,103,121…

      Chinese Scenic Spot-Beijing's Siheyuan  
                   
    Beijing's historical residences
                         Beijing's Hutongs

         Beijing Attractions