Mao Dun is the pen name of Shen Yanbing, who once lived near Nanluoguxiang in Beijing and Wuzhen Town in Zhejiang province. What we talk about today is the residence he once lived before he passed away in Beijing.

This former residence of Mao Dun is located at No. 13 Yuanensi Hutong and Mr. Mao once lived in this residence between 1974 and 1981. The courtyard house covers an area of 878 square meters. There are four rooms inside the yard as a typical courtyard house has, and the one located in the west was used to receive guests. Now all the rooms here are converted into exhibition rooms, where you can find his manuscripts, books and photos, and even related to the Chinese history during which he was involved.

Mao Dun was one of the acclaimed Chinese writers before and after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Compared with other houses owned by masters of that time, he residence appeared small and is easily ignored by passers-by. But it is worth your visit for sure. At least, learning something about China’s history is possible, if you can recognize Chinese characters.

The residence was officially open to the public on March 27, 1985.

Admission: Free but you need to register before you enter it.

Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00