Qi Baishi (齐白石) is a master painter of modern China and is among the world famous cultural celebrities. He was born in Xiangtan, Hunan province (湖南湘潭) in January 1, 1864. He didn't leave his hometown until aged 50 or so and first came to Beijing when he was already 57 years old.

The former residence of Qi Baishi is located in the middle of Yu’er Hutong (Rain Hutong), neighboring Nanluoguxiang of the west.

It is said this residence once belonged to one of the officials of the Qing dynasty and was later sold by dividing it into different parts. After the foundation of the New China, the Ministry of Culture of China bought this residence for the renowned artist Qi Baishi. However, Mr. Qi still had very strong feelings for his former residence in Xicheng district and moved back to it soon. But this residence remained as a memorial hall for him, until the Cultural Revolution, when his residence was converted into Beijing Huayuan.

Now the residence has been converted into a memorial hall of Qi Baishi again. You may visit it and have a tour of the former residence of the renowned artist. You can see some of his manuscripts as well as replicas of outstanding works he created.