Hidden next to a Shanxi noodle restaurant on Zhushikou West Street, this residence could be mistaken for any other courtyard in Beijing. However, the screen wall behind its entrance marks it out as one of the more exclusive varieties of siheyuans.

The mansion has been home to two particularly illustrious Beijing figures. It was built in the early 18th century for Yue Zhongqi, the descendant of a renowned general of the Song Dynasty. However, it is now more famous as the one-time residence of Ji Xiaolan, a Qing Dynasty scholar who wrote Fantastic Tales, a collection of ghost stories and fictional histories. Proof, if it is needed, that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

Ji is thought to have lived in the house on and off for a total of 60 years. Very few of his original possessions remain; however, that doesn’t mean he has no legacy. Further strengthening his reputation is the fact that Chinese history textbooks have a tradition of making scholars into heroes. Ji has long been portrayed as an honest and incorruptible official who was not only a talented academic, but also did good deeds for the masses.

After Ji’s death in 1805, his descendants rented out the building. It has survived the Opium Wars, the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, WWII and the Chinese Civil War. Now it is open to visitors to rediscover a local legend.

Admission 10 RMB

Museum Hours: 9:00 – 16:00, closed on Mondays

Add: 241 Zhushikou West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

西城区珠市口西大街241号(陕西巷南口)