This 1.4-kilometer route connects three scenic alleys: Xicha at Gongmenkou, Funei Beijie (N. St), and Baitasi Dongjiadao (East Path of White Dagoba Temple). Along the way, key attractions include the White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple and the Beijing Luxun Museum. While strolling through the alleyways, the contrast between the red walls and the distant white pagoda creates a charming scene. You can also stop to enjoy trendy burgers, rooftop coffee, and other unique delicacies.
White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple
Miaoying Temple, located on Fuchengmen Neidajie (St) in Xicheng District, Beijing, is commonly known as White Dagoba Temple due to the prominent white pagoda within its courtyard. In 1271, during the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan commissioned the construction of the Dadu City (Khanbaliq) near the northeastern part of Zhongdu, initiating Beijing's history as a capital city. The white pagoda was designed by the Nepalese artisan Anige and was constructed as a symbol of divine and political power. The pagoda, known as the "Golden City Jade Pagoda", became a famous landmark during its time.
The White Pagoda is the only remaining intact relic from the Yuan Dynasty in the Dadu City, witnessing Tibet's integration as an inseparable part of China. It stands as a symbol of national unity and the enduring ties between China and Nepal. Its rich historical value makes it a significant reference for research in history, architecture, religion, ethnic relations, and international exchanges. Due to its cultural importance, on March 4, 1961, the White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple was designated as one of China's first major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level.
Beijing Luxun Museum
The Beijing Luxun Museum, also known as the Beijing New Culture Movement Memorial, is a National first-grade museum of China. It focuses on collecting, preserving, researching, and exhibiting artifacts and materials related to Lu Xun and key figures and events from the New Culture Movement. The museum was formed in July 2014 through the merger of the original Beijing Luxun Museum and the Beijing New Culture Movement Memorial, and it includes both the Luxun Museum and New Culture Movement Memorial sections.
The Beijing Luxun Museum is located at No. 19, 2nd Alley of Gongmenkou, Fuchengmennei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing. It houses both Lu Xun's former residence and exhibition displays about his life and work. The residence is a national key cultural relic protection unit and the most well-preserved Lu Xun residence in Beijing. Lu Xun purchased the property in the spring of 1924 and redesigned it himself. He lived there for over two years. In May 1929 and November 1932, Lu Xun returned to Beijing from Shanghai twice to visit his mother, staying at this residence during both visits. During his time here, Lu Xun wrote three collections: Huagai Set, Huagai Set Sequel, and Wild Grass, as well as parts of Wandering, Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk, and Grave. After the passing of his first wife Zhu An in 1947, the underground Communist Party secretly protected the residence by having the Beiping Higher People's Court seal it. On October 19, 1949, the 13th anniversary of Lu Xun's death, the residence officially opened to the public. The following March, Xu Guangping donated the residence, along with Lu Xun's books and artifacts, to the state. In early 1954, an exhibition hall was built next to the residence, and on October 19, 1956, the museum was officially opened on the 20th anniversary of Lu Xun's death.
The Beijing New Culture Movement Memorial is located at No. 29 Wusi Dajie (St), Dongcheng, Beijing, and is a museum dedicated to the history of the May 4th Movement. It is based on the original site of the Peking University Red House, which was the epicenter of the New Culture Movement, the birthplace of the May 4th Movement, and a key location for early Chinese Communist Party activities. Built between 1916 and 1918, the Red House is a modern building made of red bricks and tiles, hence its name. The Red House was listed as a major historical and cultural site protected at the national level in March 1961. On April 28, 2002, the memorial officially opened to the public, focusing primarily on restoring the historical appearance of the Red House during the May 4th period, accompanied by exhibitions. The restoration included the library director's office, registration room, New Tide magazine office, second reading room, student lecture hall, the fourteenth library, principal‘s office, dean of liberal arts office, faculty lounge for liberal arts, and the main entrance of the Red House. Exhibitions such as The Voice of a New Era — New Culture Movement Exhibit and Remain True to Our Original Aspiration—Exhibition on the Early Spread of Marxism in China, as well as special exhibitions on Cai Yuanpei, Chen Duxiu, and Hu Shi, are held to vividly recreate the atmosphere of the Red House during the May 4th New Culture Movement, showcasing scenes of Li Dazhao, Chen Duxiu, Cai Yuanpei, and Mao Zedong working in the Red House. The New Culture Movement Memorial, based in the Red House, upholds the mission of promoting and carrying forward the spirit of the May 4th Movement — Patriotism, Advancement, Democracy, and Science—by continuously launching various forms of exhibitions to provide patriotic education, especially for the youth.
The museum's collection includes more than 70,000 cultural relics, books, and other items, among which there are 759 national first-class cultural relics. The main items include Lu Xun's manuscripts, books, paintings, rubbings of inscribed tablets, and letters from his friends. There are also relics from key historical figures of the New Culture Movement period, such as Xu Guangping, Zhou Zuoren, Zhou Jianren, Zhang Taiyan, Qian Xuantong, Xu Shouchang, Hu Feng, Jiang Shaoyuan, Wei Jianggong, Qu Qiubai, Feng Xuefeng, Xiao Jun, Xiao Hong, Ye Zi, Rou Shi, and Feng Keng. Additionally, the collection includes a large number of versions of Lu Xun's works, including his writings, translations, compilations, and edited works, as well as studies on Lu Xun, modern literary series, and both old and new periodicals. The museum also holds many renowned woodblock prints from China and abroad, along with paintings by artists such as Li Keran, Jiang Zhaohe, and Wu Guanzhong.
