Located next to the well-known Princess Gong’s Mansion, the former residence of Guo Moruo is another highlight of Qianhai West Street, near the bustling Shicha Lake. Guo Moruo (1892 - 1978), courtesy name Dingtang, was an outstanding Chinese author, poet, historian, archaeologist, and paleographer. He is known for his historical plays, poems, archaeological and government work.

The 7,000-sq-m courtyard had been a prince’s garden during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912). Guo had lived here for 15 years, from 1963 until his death. It was listed as an important cultural relic under state protection in 1982, on Guo's 90th birthday, and officially opened to tourists in 1988. Many of his manuscripts, books and documents are still kept here.

Visitors can also find many of the flowers and trees planted by him in the courtyard, including a gingko tree, which Guo called "the national tree of China" and "a living monument to Chinese culture." There is a short story behind this tree. In 1954, Yu Liqun, Guo's wife, left Beijing for medical treatment. Missing her very much, Guo brought a tree seedling from a forestry center and planted it on his courtyard at 5 Dayuan Lane in Xicheng District. He named it the Mother Tree. Guo taught his children to water and trim it and asked them to pray for the early recovery of their mother. When the family moved in 1963, they also moved the tree to the new courtyard.

A bronze statue of Guo, created on the 10th anniversary of his death, sits on the lawn gazing at the gingko tree. Outside the old courtyard, Sichahai Lake’s shores are bursting with night life of new Beijing.

Address: No.18 Qianhai West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Tel: 010- 83222523

Opening Hours: 9:00 -16:30 (Closed on Monday)

Entry ticket: 20 yuan