Beijing's historical residences
Over the course of Chinese history, Beijing has been the home of many intriguing and important figures. Along with the rapid progress of Beijing's modernization, many hutongs (back street lanes) have been rebuilt into broad roads lined with modern buildings. The former residences of some of China's most important people, however, have been well preserved, holding more value maintained than destroyed. Among these, two residences are protected by the state, and 11 fall under municipal protection. These residences once belonged to notable personages of contemporary Chinese revolution, those renowned in modern and contemporary Chinese culture, and famous historical figures.
At the mention of the hutong, we should not forget to talk about the courtyard. These two architectural features together form a set-piece of authentic Beijing culture.
Beijing Hutong
Hutong is one of the unique special features in Beijing. There are thousands of Hutong here surrounded the Forbidden City, most of which were came into being in the dynasties Yuan, Ming, Qing. Old local residents have a saying: "There are 360 large hutongs and as many small hutongs as there are hairs on an ox."
Famous Hutong Names:
Celebrity Former Dwelling
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Former Residence of Guo Moruo This historical courtyard was where Chinese writer Guo Moruo (1892-1978) live his last 15 years. Guo was also an influential poet and historian of his time. One of his most famous works is Goddess. |
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Former Residence of Lu Xun Lu Xun was a writer, thinker and revolutionist. He had a great influence on the Chinese revolution. In Beijing, west of Fucheng Gate, lies a small courtyard and it was Lu Xun's home for the last two years of his fourteen years' in Beijing.To the east is located the Lu Xun Museum, where many of his manuscripts and relics are preserved. |
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Former Residence of Soong Chingling now a museum for Song Qing-ling (1892-1981), wife of Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China. The gardens surrounding the house are beautiful. |
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Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum If you are a fan of Beijing Opera, you are certainly familiar with Mei Lanfang, one of the four most famous experts in Beijing Opera performance. A visit to his old residence will help you better understand his life and the culture of Beijing Opera.
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Former Residence of Lao She The courtyard home of one of Beijing's best-loved writers （老舍故居）, Lao She (1899-1966), is the most charming of many converted homes scattered around Beijing'shutong. Lao She is renowned for the novelRickshaw (Luotuo Xiangzi), a darkly humorous tale of a hardworking rickshaw puller, Happy Boy |
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Former Residence of Qi Baishi in Beijing was born in 1863 in Xiangtan County, Hunan Province. In his early youth he was trained as a woodcarver and soon became a master in this discipline. Later he turned to painting, poetry, calligraphy and seal carving |
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The Former Residence of Mao Dun The former residence of Mao Dun is located in a small quadrangle of Beijing traditional characteristic, which is in No. 13 Yuanensi Alley , back of Jiaodaokou south street. Mao Dun spent his last years in this place. And the Museum of Former Residence formally opened in March, 1985. |
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Former Residence of Li Dazhao
The building faces south and is composed of three courtyards. There are 3 trees and some potted flowers in the courtyard planted by Li Dazhao. Now the house is used by local residents. In 1979, it was listed as a major protective cultural relic by Beijing local government.
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Princess Sites
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Prince Gong's Mansion Beijing's Prince Gong's Mansion, located in the northwest corner of Shichahai, is perhaps the most spectacular non imperial mansion built in China's 5,000 years of history. Occupying an area of over 5.7 hectares, the mansion was originally constructed at the end ----- |
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 Chinese Scenic Spot-Beijing's Siheyuan
Beijing Attractions |
