"Farewell My Concubine" is hailed as one of the best Chinese-language films. It premiered in Hong Kong on January 1, 1993, and has influenced countless people over the past 26 years. Leslie Cheung, the Hong Kong superstar, portrayed Cheng Dieyi, a character who is obsessed with his art and blurs the line between reality and performance. It is a classic role in Leslie Cheung's life. This film holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, and its filming locations have become popular tourist destinations, offering a juxtaposition of film and reality.
Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall
The Beijing Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall was officially opened to the public in October 1986. It is a typical Beijing quadrangle courtyard covering an area of over 1,000 square meters. Before Mei Lanfang"s death in 1961, he spent the last 10 years of his life in this tranquil and comfortable quadrangle courtyard. The courtyard was originally part of Prince Qing"s Mansion in the late Qing Dynasty and was renovated after liberation. Mei Lanfang moved here to live. After Mei Lanfang"s passing, Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the establishment of the Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall.
Most of the scenes depicting Dieyi"s early career in studying opera were filmed at the Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall. This place represents Dieyi"s home. The scenes where Duan Xiaolou is beaten, Dieyi fights with Xiao Si, and Dieyi burns his opera costumes were also filmed here.
Address: No. 9 Huguosi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.
Former Site of Furen University
The long corridor where Dieyi visits Xiaolou on a rainy night was filmed here. Additionally, the main entrance of Furen University appears in the movie, which is the place where Dieyi sings to the Nationalist Army after being released on bail.
The former site of Furen University is located on Dingfu Street, in the Xicheng District of Beijing. It is a cultural heritage site under protection. In 1952, the departments of Furen University were merged into Beijing Normal University. The current address belongs to the Continuing Education College of Beijing Normal University. The classrooms at Furen University are particularly special. The exterior of the classrooms is made of blue bricks, and the walls remain smooth. Hanging some old photos adds to the historical atmosphere. With blue brick walls and bluestone floors, even the slightest sound can be heard clearly when reflected in the long corridors of the classrooms.
Address: No. 1 Dingfu Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.
Prince Kung's Palace Museum (Prince Kung's Mansion)
Prince Kung's Mansion is a key national cultural heritage site and the largest royal mansion of the Qing Dynasty. It served as the residence of Heshen and Prince Yonglin. In 1851, Prince Kung Yixin became the owner of the mansion, and it was named Prince Kung's Mansion. It has gone through the historical process of the Qing Dynasty's prosperity and decline, carrying rich historical and cultural information, hence the saying, "Prince Kung's Mansion holds half of the history of the Qing Dynasty."
In "Farewell My Concubine," the long corridor where Xiao Douzi is taken away by Zhang Gonggong's couriers is located in Prince Kung's Mansion.
Address: No. 17 Qianhai West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.
Wumen (Meridian Gate)
Wumen is the main gate of the Forbidden City, located on the north-south axis of the Forbidden City.
In "Farewell My Concubine," after Dieyi accidentally finds the sword he promised to give to Xiaolou in his childhood at Yuan Sijia's house, he takes the sword to meet Xiaolou and encounters Japanese soldiers who have just entered the city. This night scene was filmed on the square outside Wumen. Dieyi's carriage goes west from the left gate tower.
Address: No. 4 Jingshan Front Street, Inside the Palace Museum, Dongcheng District, Beijing.
Beijing Confucius Temple
Beijing Confucius Temple is located on Guozijian Street within Beijing's Andingmen area. It is the second-largest Confucius Temple in China, second only to the one in Qufu, Shandong Province. It was initially built in the sixth year of the Yuan Dynasty's Dade era (1302) and served as the official place for the central government to worship Confucius during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
On July 1, 1992, during the scorching summer, the crew of "Farewell My Concubine" filmed the crucial scene of the Cultural Revolution's public trial and struggle on the open space of the Confucius Temple.
Address: No. 13 Guozijian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing.