Shijia Hutong Museum is the first museum specializing in Hutong culture housed in the former residence of Ling Shuhua, one of three famous talented women in the Republic of China era.

Hidden behind the modern hotels and shops of Wangfujing is Shijia Hutong, a sleepy, tree-lined neighbourhood where some of China’s most famous writers, artists and diplomats once lived. Besides many residences of fames, the Shijia Hutong Primary School used to be the venue for entrance test of students to study in America. It was also the cradle of modern Chinese drama started up.

The museum takes up an area of 1,000 square meters divided into 8 exhibition halls and a multi-function hall. A sand table is placed in the hall showed miniature of 130 quadrangle courtyards in Beijing. The museum exhibits many old furniture and articles of daily use. In addition, two rooms restore the layout of Beijing people in last century. In the museum, visitors can also hear the “voice” of hutong. Over 70 kinds of voices once existing in hutong are played in the museum.

From the narrow point of view, Shijia Hutong Museum is the No. 24 house. But broadly speaking, it represents the whole hutong. What the museum exhibits is but an index of it, and the more wonderful content serves to invite the community residents to enter the hutong and experience its unique feel and elegance.

Opening hours: 9:30 – 12:00; 2:00 – 4:30 (Tuesday through Sunday)

Location: 24 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District 东城区史家胡同24号