As the capital of China, Beijing boasts a rich history and abundant cultural heritage. Within this city, there are numerous museums and former residences dedicated to commemorating notable figures, showcasing their life journeys and outstanding contributions to the nation and its people. Today, we will introduce some of significant museums and former residences of famous individuals.

Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall

The memorial hall is dedicated to Guo Shoujing, a famous astronomer and mathematician of the Yuan Dynasty, showcasing his life and scientific achievements. The museum houses precious artifacts of Guo Shoujing such as "Shoushi Calendar" allowing visitors to understand his significant contributions to astronomy and calendar reform. The International Astronomical Union has named a lunar crater on the far side of the moon and an asteroid numbered 2012 in space after Guo Shoujing.

Ticket Price: Free

Traffic routes: Take Subway Line 2 to Jishuitan Station, Exit C

Address: No. 60, Deshengmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, located within the huitong Temple

Lu Xun Museum

The museum primarily showcases the life and literary achievements of Lu Xun. On display are precious artifacts such as manuscripts, letters, diaries, as well as his personal belongings, reflecting his monumental contributions to literature and intellectual enlightenment.

Ticket Price:  Free

Traffic routes: Take Subway Line 2 to Fuchengmen Station, Exit B, 200 meters

Address: No. 19, Gongmenkou Second Alley, Xicheng District, Beijing

Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling

Soong Ching-ling, the Honorary Chairwoman of the People's Republic of China, was a renowned patriot, democrat, internationalist, and communist warrior, a great female figure of the 20th century, and the wife of Sun Yat-sen, known as the "Treasure of the Nation." The Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling is located in Xicheng District. Originally it is a Qing Dynasty imperial garden, it later became Soong Ching-ling's residence. Now, it is part of the Soong Ching-ling Memorial Museum, showcasing her life and significant role in modern Chinese history. On display are Soong Ching-ling's personal belongings, photographs, letters, etc., demonstrating her contributions to the cause of democracy and national liberation in China.

Ticket Price: 20 yuan, available for purchase at the entrance

Traffic routes: Take Subway Line 2 to Jishuitan Station, Exit C, and walk about 800 meters

Address: No. 46, North Bank of Houhai, Xicheng District, Beijing

Nalan Xingde Historical Museum

The museum is dedicated to the famous poet Nalan Xingde, showcasing his life and poetic achievements. The museum houses Nalan Xingde's poetry manuscripts, calligraphy, and paintings, displaying his outstanding achievements in literature and art.

Ticket Price: 5 yuan, available for purchase at the entrance

Traffic routes: Take Bus 303 from the North Gate of the Summer Palace to Shangzhuang Reservoir Station and head west

Address: Cuihu Shuixiang Tourist Resort, Shangzhuang Village, Haidian District, Beijing

Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall

The memorial hall is dedicated to the famous literary figure of Qing Dynasty－Cao Xueqin, showcasing his life and literary achievements. On display are precious artifacts such as his manuscripts, letters, and various versions of "Dream of the Red Chamber," reflecting his pinnacle position in the creation of classical Chinese novels.

Ticket Price: Free, Botanical Garden entrance fee: 5 yuan

Traffic routes: Take the Xijiao Line of the subway to the National Botanical Garden station

Address: No. 39, Zhengbaiqi Village, Fragrant Hills, Haidian District, Beijing

Memorial Museum of Lao She

The memorial hall is dedicated to the renowned writer Lao She, showcasing his life and literary achievements. On display are precious artifacts such as his manuscripts, letters, photographs, and personal belongings, demonstrating his significant contributions to modern literary creation.

Ticket Price: Free

Traffic routes: Take Subway Line 5 to Dengshikou Station, Exit A, and walk about 900 meters

Address: No. 19, Fengfu Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum

Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall is located at No. 9, Huguosi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing. It is a traditional Beijing quadrangle courtyard. The hall features a plaque personally inscribed by Comrade Deng Xiaoping. Upon entering the gate, visitors are greeted by a large screen wall made of blue bricks and gray tiles, with a half-body marble statue of Mr. Mei Lanfang placed in front of it. Inside the courtyard, there are two persimmon trees and two crabapple trees, symbolizing "peace in all matters." Mr. Mei Lanfang spent his last ten years in this quiet and peaceful courtyard before his passing in 1961.

Ticket Price:10 yuan

Traffic routes: Take Subway Line 4 to Ping'anli Station and walk 500 meters.

Address: No. 9, Huguosi Street, Deshengmen Inner Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Translator: NIU Lihua 

Reviewer: TANG Yuxin