“Simple” was the word that defined Hu Yaobang’s choice of residence. The Hu Yaobang Residence stands before us. It is a testament to his humble character.
Hu Yaobang moved to Beijing in 1955. He first lived in Fugiang Hutong number 6. This was a dormitory of the Communist Youth League Central Committee. He lived there for 29 years until 1984. During this time, the house only underwent one renovation in 1976. Offers to furnish or reallocate a better house were all turned down by Hu Yaobang himself.
In the early 1980s, the CPC Central Committee suggested that Hu Yaobang move to Zhongnanhai. But Hu Yaobang refused. He insisted on staying in Fugiang Hutong until his old age. Eventually, Deng Xiaoping and Chen Yun persuaded him to move. Hu Yaobang agreed but on the condition that the new residence was near Zhongnanhai. He also requested a house that was neither too good nor too big.
In 1984, Hu Yaobang moved to 25 Kuaiji Shi Hutong. This courtyard home was close to Zhongnanhai’s east gate. It was a simple quadrangle courtyard. It was next to Zhongnanhai’s red wall. The location had previously been the site of the Qing Dynasty’s Ministry of Internal Affairs Accounting Department. It is said a distant relative of Cao Xueqin once worked here. It also served as the residence for eunuchs of the Internal Affairs Office.
When Hu Yaobang moved in, the house was dilapidated. It had been neglected for years. Housing staff deemed it in need of major repair. They even brought design drawings. But Hu Yaobang told his secretary that he was too old to live there much longer. He said repairs could wait until ordinary people had better housing. He only had the walls whitewashed before moving in.
After becoming General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Hu Yaobang did not move into Zhongnanhai. He continued to live in Kuaiji Shi Hutong. For work convenience, he opened a door in Zhongnanhai’s red wall. This connected his backyard to Zhongnanhai. The front door still opened to the hutong.
After Hu Yaobang passed away, his wife Li Zhao and their three sons lived there.
Today, Hu Yaobang’s memorial hall is in the house’s former meeting room. In front of the hall stands a jujube tree. It was planted around the 18th century. When not in his Zhongnanhai office, Hu Yaobang handled official duties in this meeting room. The sofas, tea tables, and bookcases are from the 1980s. The kettle and cups are from the 1960s. All remain as they were. In the early 2010s, a large photo of Hu Yaobang was placed on the east side of the meeting room. On the west side, there are two oil paintings. They were based on photos of Hu Yaobang and his wife Li Zhao. Hu Yaobang is depicted in a Western suit. His expression is serene.
The blue-gray iron gate marks the entrance to 25 Kuaiji Shi Hutong. Several families reside in the courtyard. Behind the vermilion door lies the home of Hu Yaobang. The Hu Yaobang Residence is a quadrangle courtyard.