Beijing: Track of Historical Figures in Ancient Capital

Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling (Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)

Renowned for its magnificent culture of an ancient capital, and with a history of 800 years that has contributed to its unique city style, Beijing is a place where its amazing former residences of historical figures constitute a significant part of the city. For many years, these houses have been influencing and nourishing every visitor's mind and soul.

Former Residence of Li Dazhao (Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)

Beijing is indeed a city of the former residences of historical figures. Among all these residences found mostly in Dongcheng and Xicheng districts, two former residences, namely the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling and the Former Residence of Guo Moruo, have been listed as major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level. A total of 11 former residences, namely the Former Residence of Lu Xun, the Former Residence of Mao Zedong, the Former Residence of Li Dazhao, the Memorial Site for Sun Yat-sen, the Former Residence of Zhu Yizun (Shunde Hall), the Former Residence of Kang Youwei, Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum, the Former Residence of Cheng Yanqiu, the Former Residence of Qi Baishi, the Former Residence of Lao She, and the Former Residence of Mao Dun, have been listed as major historical and cultural sites protected by Beijing Municipality.

Former Residence of Guo Moruo (Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)

The appearance of each former residence shows a combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles. At these former residences presenting different styles influenced by the personal preferences of their owners, visitors can learn more about these figures' ideologies and anecdotes in an immersive way, and commemorate and honor these legendary figures who have made indelible marks in history. Visits to the former residences of these celebrities in Beijing can therefore be considered as cultural and historical trips.

Former Residence of Ji Xiaolan (Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)

With the bronzes that tell history, lush backyards, rare manuscripts, precious historical materials worthy of inheritance and more, the former residences of historical figures in Beijing present to the public the long history intertwined with rich culture, the anecdotes of these celebrities and other heart-touching tales in a silent yet vivid fashion. For every tourist touring Beijing, exploring the city's historical heritage and urban layout in these houses located in hutongs is a memorable travel experience that cannot be missed.

Want to learn more about these residences once home to celebrities? Please watch the video below to tour online the former residences of historical figures in Beijing: