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.
This is the second in a China Pictorial series exploring Beijing's historical residences.
Lao She was born in 1899 to a Manchu family residing on the Xiaoyangjuan Lane of Huguosi Street, in Beijing's Xicheng District. As a representative of
Beijing literature, he is known as one of the best novelists in China and ranked among the world's best writers. "It was the most agreeable for one to write his or her most familiar society or communities," he advocated, "no matter how ordinary they are."
Lao lived in
Beijing for most of his life. "My primary knowledge and impression came from [Beijing]," he once said. "It has mixed into my blood. My character and temperament are mostly bestowed by the ancient city." His affection for his hometown and the national culture and his awareness of the hardship suffered by the lower class were largely derived from a great concern for society as a whole.
Lao went to Britain for further study in 1924. During his stay in the country, he wrote three full-length novels, The Philosophy of Lao Zhang (1926), Zhao Ziyue (1927), and Two Mas (1929).
He returned to China in 1930, and completed Rickshaw Boy in 1936, which Lao called his "own most satisfying work." The novel remains a well-known representative of modern Chinese literature. The novel paints a picture that vividly displays the colorful society of old Beijing. Beginning in the 1940s, the novel was translated into Japanese, English, French, German, and Russian, so that many European and American readers still know Rickshaw Boy today.
In March 1946, Lao was invited by the US Department of State to give lectures for one year in the United States. He then stayed there and wrote until the founding the People's Republic of China in 1949. After returning to China, he lived in a
Beijing compound in Dongcheng District until his death in 1966. It was here that he completed many dramas, including Fang Zhenzhu, The Dragon Beard Ditch, Teahouse, and 23 other works. It is this compound that remains open for visitors today.
Useful information
Address: 19 Fengfu Lane, West Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Transportation: Bus Nos. 103, 104, 108, and 111 to the Dengshikou bus stop
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