Grapes and morning glory abound here. This is the Former Residence of Qi Baishi. It’s more than just a preserved home. It’s a portal into the life and artistic spirit of one of China’s most beloved painters.
Qi Baishi was no ordinary artist. He was a man of the people. Born in Hunan Province, he traveled the country. He sold paintings and carved seals to earn his living. At 57, Qi Baishi settled in Beijing. His painting style began to evolve. He combined traditional freehand brushwork with folk art. This unique approach made his art accessible and deeply resonant.
Step inside the Former Residence of Qi Baishi. Imagine Qi Baishi in his garden. Though the government offered him a grander house, he preferred this simple courtyard. Here, he cultivated towel-gourds, peanuts, pumpkins, grapes, and morning glories. These mundane crops became his inspiration. His famous works like “Towel-Gourd and a Bee” and “Grapes and a Dragonfly” all originated here.
Qi Baishi’s art is characterized by simplicity and boldness. With just a few strokes, he created colorful paintings. These works focused on flowers, birds, insects, and fish. In his later years, Qi Baishi dedicated more time to calligraphy and seal carving. He also served as chairman of the Chinese Artists’ Association in the early 1950s.
Many artists and VIPs visited Qi Baishi’s home. This happened in the years before his death in 1957. Qi Baishi lived for many years in another place in Beijing. It was 5.5 km away in Xicheng District. His real home-museum opened there in 1984. His younger daughter, Qi Liangzhi, remembered that her father missed his home in Xicheng. Trees and flowers planted by him grew there. Zhou Enlai even visited him there. The house at Yuyer Hutong became the Hall of Qi Baishi. Soon after, it was transferred to the China Artists Association.
In 2011, the Beijing Fine Art Academy restored Qi Baishi’s Former Residence. It was renamed the Memorial Hall of Qi Baishi’s Former Residence. The memorial hall opened on May 13, 2012. The Memorial Hall of Qi Baishi’s Former Residence is located at No.13 Yard Yuer Hutong. It is a courtyard of middle Qing style.
Qi Baishi was awarded the title of People’s Artist by the Ministry of Culture on January 7th, 1953. Premier Zhou Enlai attended Qi Baishi’s birthday celebration on the same day.
As you leave the Former Residence of Qi Baishi, remember the artist’s dedication to his craft. Remember his love for the simple things in life. His art continues to inspire. It reminds us to find beauty in the everyday world. Qi Baishi’s legacy lives on.