Being one of the most important writers in the modern times of China, Lao She had written many novels and plays, which deeply affects the Chinese people.

The Lao She Memorial Hall is actually his former residence. It is situated in a small Beijing alley in Dongcheng District, and was opened to the public on February 1st, 1999, two days before the 100th anniversary of Lao She. It is one of the historic sites under Beijing Municipal protection.

The Memorial is a typical ‘Siheyuan’ (Quadrangle Dwelling). In the beginning of 1950, after returning from America, Lao She bought it and lived here for 16 years. It is in this house that he wrote 24 plays, including Longxu Ditch, Teahouse, and Beneath the Pure Red Banner, and two novels, which has 4 million words in total. It covers an area of 400 square meters. The most special thing about it is a rich exhibition entitled Lao She’s Life and Works.

He was named a 'People's Artist' and a 'Great Master of Language'. His plays, such as Longxu Ditch, became ideologically didactic and did not reach the level of his former work.

During the war against the Japanese invasion, as head of the National Association of Writers and Artists against Invaders, Lao She played an active part in mobilizing writers and artists for anti-Japanese propaganda.

After the war was won, he went to America for lecturing and writing. After he returned to China in 1949, he held such posts as member of the Literature, Art, and Education Committee of the Political Affairs Department, deputy chairman of the National Association of Literature and Art, deputy chairman of the National Writers’ Association, and chairman of the Beijing Association of Literature and Art. As a prolific writer, he enjoyed such a high reputation among common people that he was awarded the title "People’s Artist".

During the Cultural Revolution, Lao She was publicly denounced and criticized, as were a number of other writers and intellectuals. On October 24, 1966, Lao She was murdered or driven to suicide. His last novel, The Drum Singers (1952), was first published in English in the United States.

Admission fee: 5RMB/person

Opening hours: 9:00-16:30