Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, let’s chat about Beijing and its less-known yet captivating spots perfect for those looking to escape the crowds during the holidays. Imagine having a laid-back vacation, away from the bustling tourist hotspots, exploring the quieter, charming nooks of Beijing. Sounds tempting, right?
2 Famous Residences Turned Museums
In Beijing, several famous residences have been transformed into museums, like Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum and Lao She Residence, both offering a glimpse into the lives of these cultural icons.
Lao She Memorial Museum
The Cultural Heritage of the Lao She Memorial Museum
Located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, the Lao She Memorial Museum is dedicated to commemorating the renowned Chinese writer Lao She and his contributions to modern Chinese literature. The museum houses his personal belongings and manuscripts, offering a glimpse into his cultural impact.
Lao She’s Life and Creativity
The Lao She Memorial Museum is not just a place to showcase Lao She’s literary achievements; it also vividly recreates the scenes from Lao She’s life. This memorial museum was originally Lao She’s residence, the “Dan Shi Courtyard” that we knew from our childhood tales. This typical Beijing courtyard, with its pure wooden structure and compact courtyard layout, showcases the traditional appearance of old Beijing.
As you step into the museum, the first thing that catches your eye is a brick-built screen wall with a big red “Fu” (luck) character in the center, adding a festive vibe to the whole courtyard. The main room and side rooms of the courtyard were where Lao She created famous plays like “Teahouse” and “Longxugou”.
The museum also displays Lao She’s personal items such as glasses, fountain pens, ink bottles, etc., allowing visitors to feel closer to the daily life and creative atmosphere of this literary giant.
- Location: 19 Fengfu Hutong, Dengshikou West Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Entry: Free
- Highlights: Preserved traditional Beijing courtyard house, Lao She’s personal items, exhibitions on his life and works.
- Travel Tips: Easily accessible from central Beijing, perfect for a cultural and historical exploration.
Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum
An Artistic Journey at the Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum
The Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum, a peaceful courtyard home, served as the residence of the Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang during the last ten years of his life. It has since been transformed into a museum that showcases his artistic journey, memorabilia, and contributions to Chinese art and culture.
The front exhibition hall displays photos and artifacts, while the backyard preserves his original living quarters. Visitors can also enjoy recordings of his performances in the video room. For those interested in Peking Opera and the “Mei school” of performance, this museum is a fantastic destination.
Cultural Exploration inside the Memorial Museum
Stepping into the Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum is like entering a world filled with history and culture. Every exhibit exudes a strong artistic vibe, making visitors feel as though they are experiencing Mr. Mei Lanfang’s life and creative environment firsthand.
The memorial museum is not just a place to showcase the life and achievements of Mei Lanfang; it’s also a platform for education and inspiration, allowing more people to appreciate the charm of the ancient art of Peking Opera and the uniqueness of the Mei school’s artistry.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts various special exhibitions and cultural events, such as Peking Opera performances and academic lectures, enriching the visiting experience and contributing to the promotion of Peking Opera culture.
Here, every corner is filled with stories, and every visit is a new discovery. The Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum is not just a place to commemorate a Peking Opera master; it’s also a window for people to get closer to Peking Opera and understand Chinese traditional culture.
- Location: Part of the former Qing Dynasty Prince Qing’s Mansion, now in central Beijing.
- Contact: 010-83223598 ext. 8001
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Recommended Duration: 2 hours
- Ticket Price: 10 RMB
For more detailed information, visit the website.
Siheyuan (Courtyard Houses)
Siheyuan, traditional Beijing courtyard houses, are a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. While many have been repurposed, there are still accessible ones like the Hutong Museum.
Dongsi Hutong Museum
The Historical Charm of the Dongsi Hutong Museum
The Dongsi Hutong Museum is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful courtyard houses in Beijing. It’s a three-section courtyard house, a layout that typically reflects the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Highlights include the intricately designed main gate, the elegant screen wall, the inverted rooms used by male servants, the splendid decorative archway, and the well-preserved inner courtyard.
A Window into Hutong Culture
Stepping into the Dongsi Hutong Museum is like stepping back into old Beijing. The museum doesn’t just showcase the rich history of the hutongs; it also allows visitors to dive deep into the rich historical atmosphere and cultural characteristics of the “Forty-Nine City” through videos, documentaries, models, and pictures.
This place used to be the office location for the Dongsi police station, with the main building constructed around 1940. It’s a typical three-section courtyard house, largely retaining the complete structure of traditional courtyard houses.
The Dongsi Hutong Museum isn’t just a venue for showcasing Beijing’s historical and cultural past; it’s also a living education platform. It lets every visitor personally experience the unique charm of hutong culture.
- Location: 77 Dongsi Fourth Alley, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Travel Tips: Take Metro Line 5 or 6 to Dongsi Station.
Shijia Hutong Museum
Cultural Exploration at Shijia Hutong Museum
The Shijia Hutong Museum, once the residence of the talented Republic of China era female intellectual Ling Shuhua, offers a two-section courtyard that not only provides insights into her life and works but also showcases the history and culture of the hutongs.
Inside, the museum features eight exhibition halls and a multipurpose hall, each dedicated to themes like the history of Shijia Hutong, stories of famous personalities, modern education, the beauty of orchids and bamboos together, hutong celebrities, memories of the era, sounds of the hutong, and nostalgic life, all presenting the charm of old Beijing in various ways.
A Hub for the Inheritance of Hutong Culture
Walking into the Shijia Hutong Museum is like stepping into a living, breathing old Beijing. It’s not just the wealth of exhibition content covering ancient architecture, folk customs, celebrity anecdotes, family heritage, and historical changes that enriches this place.
There are also all sorts of interactive activities. For example, visitors can get hands-on experience in making wooden components, caisson ceilings, decorative paintings for archways, and colored patterns on brick carvings. Plus, there are regular courses on traditional Beijing crafts like rabbit gods, clay sculpture, paper-cutting, and snuff bottle painting, allowing people to immerse themselves in the charm of hutong culture through participation.
- Location: 24 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Travel Tips: Take Metro Line 5 to Dengshikou Station.
Beijing Garden Expo Park
the Eco-Art of Beijing Garden Expo Park
Located in the Fengtai District of Beijing, the Beijing Garden Expo Park, originally the venue for the 9th China International Garden Expo, is a massive park that combines garden art, cultural landscapes, and ecological restoration. Covering an area of 513 hectares, it includes a variety of garden and ecological areas, showcasing rich ecological aesthetics and cultural depth.
Exploring the Multicultural Aspects of the Garden Expo Park
Stepping into the Beijing Garden Expo Park feels like entering a treasure trove of ecology and culture. It’s not just about the rich ecological environment; the park also blends traditional and modern Chinese garden arts, displaying gardening techniques and designs from both domestic and international creators.
The park’s layout, described as “one axis, two points, five gardens,” features the Yongding Tower and the Jinxiu Valley as its core attractions. Through its traditional, modern, creative, ecological, and international exhibition gardens, it presents the diversity and richness of garden art. Moreover, the Garden Expo Park regularly hosts various cultural events and festivals, like the National Trend Art Festival, allowing visitors to enjoy natural beauty while experiencing China’s rich cultural traditions and modern innovations.
- Location: No. 15 Shejichang Road, next to Yongding River, Fengtai District, Beijing Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Apr 1 – Oct 31), 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Nov 1 – Mar 31)
- Entry: 20 RMB (discounts for students, seniors, the disabled, and soldiers)
- Highlights: Main exhibition hall, Yongding Pagoda, Jinxiu Valley, diverse garden zones
- Travel Tips: Accessible via public transport with bus routes 327, 55, 951, 994 to Lujingbei Station, and bus routes 391, 574, 565 to Yuanboyuan Station. Perfect for nature lovers and those interested in horticulture and ecological design.
For more detailed information, visit Beijing Garden Expo Park.
So, next time you’re planning a trip to Beijing and want to steer clear of the crowds, consider these lesser-known yet absolutely delightful spots. Happy exploring!
