2021 Spring Festival Beijing Famous Residences Travelogue

Number of days: 2 days
Time: January
Average cost: 40 yuan
With whom：a person
Tour kinds：Humanities, Free Travel
The author went to these places： Beijing Former Residence of Guo Moruo Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling Nanluoguxiang Former Residence of Mao Dun Prince Chun's Mansion Former Residence of Lao She Former Residence of Qi Baishi Dongtangzi Hutong Peking University
Updated: 2022.08.03

If Beijing is the place with the most contemporary celebrities, it's undoubtedly worthwhile to see where they live and remember the great men of our past.

During this year's Spring Festival, I visited several places and some of their former residences.

1. Guo Moruo's Former Residence

In 1963, Guo Moruo and his family moved from Dongsi to No. 18, Qianhai Xiyan, where they lived until his death in 1978.

Originally, this was a garden owned by Heshen during the Qing Dynasty. Later, Prince Gong Yixin used it as a hayfield and stable. During the Republic of China era, Prince Gong's descendants sold it to the Lejia Pharmacy of Darentang for use as a garden.

Guo Moruo was a leading figure in China's new culture after Lu Xun. He held a high literary status, authoring and translating numerous masterpieces throughout his life. He also possessed considerable accomplishments in archaeology, drama, and poetry. Guo Moruo's "Celebration for the Three Hundredth Anniversary of the Jiashen Incident" was used as study material during the Yan'an Rectification Movement and had a profound impact. Guo Moruo was a highly respected figure before the Liberation Army and a highly charismatic figure. After the Liberation Army, he served in important positions, including Vice Premier of the State Council, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His former residence is a two-story courtyard with a rockery in front of the entrance. The interior is a beautiful setting. I visited on the morning of February 24th and spent 75 minutes there. The ticket price was 20 yuan.

2. Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling

Soong Ching Ling is known as a national treasure. She led a great life. Not only was she the wife of revolutionary pioneer Dr. Sun Yat-sen, she also loved her country and democracy all her life. She enjoyed high prestige and credibility at home and abroad. After liberation, she served as Vice President of the State and Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress, and was awarded the title of Honorary President of the People's Republic of China. On the afternoon of February 24th, we visited the Former Residence of Mao Dun in Nanluoguxiang and visited the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing, No. 46, Houhai North. Tickets cost 20 yuan, but reservations must be made in advance online or on China-TravelNote. The setting is excellent. Neighboring the Prince Chun Palace, the residence is quite large. It was originally the residence and garden of Grand Secretary Mingzhu, built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. During the Qianlong reign, it became the family compound of Heshen. During the Jiaqing reign, it served as the residence and garden of Prince Cheng Yongyan. Later, it became the residence and garden of Prince Chun Yihuan, the father of Emperor Guangxu. In the late Qing Dynasty, it became the residence and garden of Prince Chun Zaifeng, the father of the last Emperor Puyi, also known as the Regent Palace Garden. In short, it was originally a palace garden. In 1961, Premier Zhou Enlai personally arranged for the construction of the main building, a blend of Chinese and Western styles. In April 1963, Soong Ching Ling moved here to live, work, and receive Chinese and foreign guests. The pigeons Soong Ching Ling once kept are still kept here, a symbol of her love of peace.

In terms of the landscape, this place is worthy of the title of a royal garden. It is unique and elegant, with everything from mountains and rivers to pavilions and terraces. It is very beautiful.

There is also an exhibition on the life of Soong Ching Ling, which can provide a deeper understanding of her life. I spent 75 minutes here and felt very rewarding.

5. Qi Baishi's Former Residence

Qi Baishi was a remarkable painter, winner of the International Peace Prize and awarded the title of "People's Artist" by the Ministry of Culture.

Qi Baishi lived the longest in Beijing at No. 13 Kuache Hutong, within Bicai Hutong. This residence has appeared in the media due to real estate development and may not be open to the public at this time. Qi Baishi's former residence in Yu'er Hutong, Nanluoguxiang, was purchased from a private owner by the state to provide for him. Missing his home in Xicheng District, Qi Baishi didn't live here for long. It was once converted into the Beijing Art Academy.

On the afternoon of February 24th, I arrived here from Guo Moruo's former residence, which was closed due to the pandemic.