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. Many masters of courtyards have already passed away, but their once beloved houses are left and have been kept in good order for us to reminisce about their good old days.

The home 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.

It is a simple courtyard, full of beautiful flowers, which make the house elegant and colorful. This courtyard was a witness to its great master's daily life and monumental deeds. It remains as it was during Lu Xun's habitation. The north house has three rooms: the east and west rooms were the living spaces for his mother and wife, while the middle one was a dining room. Near it is a small house, four square yards, which served as Lu Xun's bedroom and study. The actual furniture he once used, including a bed, desk and wicker chair, is well preserved. The south house is the reception room where Lu Xun had talks with his friends.

Just in this small courtyard, Lu Xun produced many encouraging works with profound thoughts which greatly influenced the Chinese revolution.

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

The home of Song Qingling

Song Qingling is regarded as one of the greatest ladies of the twentieth century. She is praised as "Mother of the Nation" due to her great contribution to the Chinese revolution and her work with women and children.

Near the north bank of the Hou Hai (Back Sea, a big lake exclusively for the royal families of the past) is located Song Qingling's home, where she spent 18 years of her life, working till the last day. It has been open to public, as approved by the State Council in 1982.

It has a quiet and beautiful courtyard covering an area of more than 7,722 square yards. Originally, it was Prince Chun's mansion in the late Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). The whole courtyard is surrounded by a small lake and composed of a grand entrance, side hall, two wing-rooms (the east and west), back house, and a newly-built main building. The grand entrance and back house serve as exhibition halls. Over 400 historical pictures and more than 300 precious cultural relics are exhibited to the public, including a group photo of her and her husband, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the forerunner of Chinese revolution, a photo taken with Chairman Mao during the Chongqing Negotiation and also some personal objects, such as a small pistol she once carried on her hip.

Lying in tasteful surroundings, it is a good place to recall its master – Song Qingling's great spirit of serving the country and the people.

Tip: The home of Song Qingling is closed on Mondays.

The home of Guo Moruo

Guo Moruo was a writer, scholar and historian in 20th century China. He spent his last 15 years in a big courtyard in Beijing which was originally the private garden of He Shen, a corrupt official during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).

The home of Guo Moruo is located at Qian Hai Xi Jie (west of Front Sea Street), which was open to the public in June, 1988. It houses a large number of Guo Moruo's precious manuscripts and books. The whole courtyard has a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. There is an earthen mound dotted with trees inside the main entrance. Inside the second gate on the north side, are five rooms that once served as his work rooms and drawing rooms, surrounded by a corridor. The courtyard is dense with gingkoes and peonies, which were planted by the Guo couple. On the lawn, sits a bronze stature of Guo Moruo with a contented smile. Inside the Chuihua Gate (the Hanging Flower Gate, which divides the outer court from the inner court), there is a two-courtyard complex, east and west wing-rooms and two rows of main houses connected by corridors. They were Mr. Guo's bedroom, living room and study room. All are exhibited in their original state.

The elegant courtyards inspired Guo Moruo to write many famous works which are much-loved by their readers. It is really a good place to refresh your minds!

Admission Fee:	CNY 5
Opening Hours:	09:00 – 16:30 (Closed on Monday)

The home of Mei Lanfang

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.

Located in Huguo Temple Street in Beijing, the home of Mei Lanfang covers an area of 274 square meters. Before Mei's inhabitation, the courtyard had only a north room and the east and west wing-rooms. In the front yard, there is a big drawing room. The main house, bedroom and small living room are located inside the second gate. His children lived in the west wing-room, while the east wing-room served as a kitchen and dining room. In 1986 the Mei Lanfang Memorial was built near this courtyard, where you can better know the life of this great master of Beijing Opera.

Admission Fee:	CNY 6
Opening Hours:	09:00 - 16:00 (Closed on Monday)

Other Homes of Famous Figures:

Home	Location	Description
Home of Mao Zedong (Chairman Mao)	No.8 left lane of Ji'an Suo Street, east of Jingshan street	From Sep.19, 1948 to Mar.12, 1919, Chairman Mao was living here while organizing members of the Xinmin Association to go to France to work and study.
Home of Li Dazhao	No.35 the back house of Shifuma Street	Li Dazhao, one of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party, lived here from 1920 to 1922.
Home of Cheng Yanqiu	No.39 North Xisi 3rd Street (Xisi Bei Santiao)	Cheng Yanqiu, another of the four most famous Beijing Opera actors, once lived here. The courtyard covers an area of 181 square yards.
Home of Qi Baishi	No.13 Kuache Hutong in Xi Cheng District (West City District)	Qi Baishi was a master of traditional Chinese painting. His courtyard looks south and covers an area of 94 square yards.
Home of Lao She	No.19 Fengfu Hutong, Dong Cheng (East City District)	Lao She was a famous writer in modern times. His courtyard is appropriately named "Red Persimmon Small Yard" because of its two persimmon trees.
Home of Mao Dun	No.13 the back Yuan'en Temple in East City District	Mao Dun was a great writer in modern times and lived here from 1974 to 1981.