The clock stopped at 525 am. That’s the time Lu Xun breathed his last. Right here in this very room. Welcome to the Former Residence of Lu Xun in Shanghai.
This unassuming three-story building on Shanyin Road is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a hallowed space a poignant testament to one of China’s most influential writers. Lu Xun lived here from 1933 until his death in 1936. His presence still seems to linger in the air.
Imagine the quiet intensity of his study upstairs. The desk where he penned countless essays and short stories. Many of his most important works were crafted within these walls. This was his sanctuary a place where he confronted societal injustices and explored the complexities of the human condition. The collection Old Tales Retold for instance was published while he resided here.
Downstairs the reception and dining rooms hosted a lively mix of visitors. Communist Party leader Qu Qiubai and other left-wing writers were frequent guests. Discussions about literature and politics filled the space. The sounds of debates and laughter once echoed through these rooms. These walls witnessed the birth of ideas that shaped modern Chinese culture.
Notice the furniture. Most of it is original. It remains arranged much as it was during Lu Xun’s lifetime. You can almost picture him pacing the floor lost in thought. Or perhaps deep in conversation with a fellow intellectual.
The clock on his bedroom table remains fixed at 525 am a sobering reminder of his passing. Yet this house is not just a memorial to his death. It’s a vibrant celebration of his life and legacy. It’s a place where his words continue to resonate. His influence continues to shape modern China.
The Former Residence of Lu Xun is more than a museum. It’s a pilgrimage site. It’s a place to reflect on the life and work of a literary giant. Step inside and allow yourself to be transported back in time. Experience a piece of China’s rich literary history. This building remains a powerful symbol of the cultural legacy of Lu Xun.