Trip Overview
When: Spring Festival 2021 (February)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: Solo traveler
Budget: ~40 RMB (~$6 USD) per day
Transportation: Walking and public transit
Essential Foreigner Info
Getting There: Beijing is served by Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Most former residences are in central Beijing, accessible by subway.
Money Matters: Most attractions accept mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay). Some smaller sites still prefer cash—carry 100-200 RMB just in case.
Language: English is limited at these historic sites. Learn key phrases: 故居 (gùjū - former residence), 门票 (ménpiào - entrance ticket).
Opening Hours: Many historic residences close on Mondays. Check in advance—some require advance booking through platforms like Ctrip.
Day 1: Guo Moruo's Former Residence
If Beijing is the city with the most contemporary celebrities, visiting where legendary figures lived is incredibly meaningful. During this Spring Festival trip, I visited several former residences of famous Chinese cultural icons.
Guo Moruo (郭沫若), considered a leading figure of China's new culture movement after Lu Xun, moved to this location at Qianhai Xianyan 18 in 1963 and lived here until his death in 1978. The site was originally a garden belonging to Heshen, a powerful official from the Qing Dynasty, later used as a stable by Prince Yixin, and eventually purchased by the Le family of Daren Tang Pharmacy.
Guo Moruo was a towering figure in Chinese literature—author of numerous famous works and translations, also renowned for his achievements in archaeology, drama, and poetry. His essay "The Three Hundredth Anniversary of the Ming Dynasty" was famously studied during the Yan'an Rectification Movement.
The residence is a two-courtyard traditional Beijing courtyard house (四合院) with a rockery at the entrance and a beautiful garden inside. I visited on February 24th, spending 75 minutes exploring—ticket price: 20 RMB (~$2.80 USD).
Day 1 (continued): Soong Ching-ling's Former Residence
Soong Ching-ling (宋庆龄), known as the "treasure of the nation," was not only the wife of revolutionary pioneer Sun Yat-sen but also a lifelong lover of democracy and country, enjoying high prestige domestically and internationally. After liberation, she served as Vice Chairman of China and Vice Chairperson of the National People's Congress, and was granted the title of Honorary President of the People's Republic of China.
In the afternoon of February 24th, I visited Soong Ching-ling's Former Residence (宋庆龄故居) at Houhai Beiyan 46, having first explored Nanluogu Xiang (南锣鼓巷) and Mao Dun's Former Residence (茅盾故居). The ticket costs 20 RMB (~$2.80 USD), but advance booking through Ctrip is required.
The environment here is exceptionally beautiful—neighboring the Prince Chun's Mansion (醇亲王府), the area has a rich history. Originally the garden of Mingzhu, a minister in the Kangxi Emperor's court, it became Heshen's villa during the Qianlong era, then the garden of Prince Yongxing during the Jiaqing period, and later the garden of Prince Yixuan's residence. In 1961, Premier Zhou Enlai personally arranged for the construction of the main building blending Chinese and Western styles. Soong Ching-ling moved here in April 1963 to live, work, and receive Chinese and foreign guests.
The residence also keeps pigeons that Soong Ching-ling raised during her lifetime—a symbol of her love for peace.
As a royal garden, the landscape is truly elegant—pavilions, hills, and waters all in perfect arrangement. A permanent exhibition on Soong Ching-ling's life is also held here. I spent another 75 minutes here and found it deeply rewarding.
Day 2: Lao She's Former Residence
Lao She (老舍) was a magnificent writer whose works are deeply imbued with local flavor. I've read his novels including "Four Generations Under One Roof," "Camel Xiangzi," "The Story of Niu Tianci," and "Below the Red Flag." My first encounter with his work was "Dragon Beard Ditch." On February 15th, I visited Lao She's Former Residence (老舍故居) at 19 Fengfu Hutong, Xidan, a tribute to this great writer.
Lao She lived in ten different places in Beijing, but this was his home from liberation until his death—a delicate courtyard house, popularly known as the "Persimmon Garden" (丹柿小院), now serving as the Lao She Memorial Hall and open to the public free of charge.
Day 2 (continued): Mao Dun's Former Residence
I've visited Mao Dun's memorial hall in Wuzhen and read his work "The Shop of the Lin Family"—he was a magnificent literary figure.
Mao Dun's Former Residence (茅盾故居) is located at 13 Houyuanersi Hutong in Nanluogu Xiang. This was his residence in Beijing from 1974 to 1981, a modest courtyard house. Entry is free, though visits are strictly limited—possibly due to pandemic restrictions. When I visited on the afternoon of February 24th, I wasn't allowed inside despite very few visitors, so I could only take photos from outside before leaving.
Day 2 (continued): Qi Baishi's Former Residence
Qi Baishi (齐白石) was an extraordinary artist who received the International Peace Prize and was honored as a "People's Artist" by the Ministry of Culture.
Qi Baishi's longest residence in Beijing was at 13 Kuaiche Hutong in Picai Street, which once appeared in media due to real estate development and may currently be closed. The Qi Baishi Former Residence (齐白石故居) in Yu'er Hutong, Nanluogu Xiang, was purchased by the state to accommodate the elderly artist—a small courtyard he didn't live in for long as he longed for his western residence. This place was once converted into the Beijing Fine Art Academy.
On the afternoon of February 24th, I traveled here from Guo Moruo's Former Residence, but it was closed due to pandemic restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This journey through Beijing's literary and artistic giants offered a unique window into Chinese cultural history. While some sites faced pandemic-related restrictions, the experiences at Guo Moruo's and Soong Ching-ling's residences were particularly memorable. The beauty of these courtyard homes, combined with the legacy of the cultural figures who lived in them, makes this route essential for anyone interested in understanding China's modern cultural heritage.
Foreigner Tips: Book tickets in advance through Ctrip or the official sites. Many of these residences have limited English signage, so a translation app is helpful. The best time to visit is during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to avoid crowds.