“Red Persimmon Courtyard” is more than just an address. It is the heart and soul of a literary giant. This is the Residence of Laoshe. Here, within these walls, one of China’s most important 20th-century writers lived and worked.
Lao She, born Shu Qingchun, purchased this old-style Beijing courtyard in 1950. He had just returned from America. For 16 years, until his death in 1966, this was his sanctuary.
The Residence of Laoshe is located in No. 19 Fengfu Hutong. It is a traditional quadrangle courtyard. A small black door faces east. Upon entering, you’ll find a small courtyard. It’s a humble space that belies the creative energy it once held.
Only two south rooms stand in the courtyard. Turning west, you enter the main part of the Residence of Laoshe. Three wing-rooms are on the east and west sides. These rooms now serve as exhibition spaces. They showcase Lao She’s works from his first novel to his unfinished autobiography. You can see the evolution of a literary master.
Three north houses stand opposite the entrance, with penthouses on either side. These have been preserved to show Lao She’s life. The bright room and west secondary room acted as drawing rooms. Premier Zhou Enlai visited Lao She here three times. They sat on the sofa and talked kindly. The east secondary room was Lao She’s bedroom. The west penthouse was his study.
The study is small and simple. Several of Lao She’s favorite cultural items remain on the hardwood desk. There’s a seal engraved by Qi Baishi. There is also an inkpad box made of jade, a gift from General Feng Yuxiang. An inkstone of Li Yu sits there. It was in this room that Lao She created masterpieces. He wrote “Longxu Ditch” and “Tea House” here. He penned countless other works, scribbling away for 16 years.
Lao She loved flowers. He would often step into the courtyard to relax among them. The persimmon tree in the courtyard was planted by Lao She himself. Red persimmons hung among the green leaves. This gave the courtyard its name “Red Persimmon Courtyard.”
The Residence of Laoshe witnessed Lao She’s most productive years. He wrote 24 plays and two novels here totaling four million words. The exhibits here include letters and the ink painting featuring wild geese by Lin Fengmian. You can also view the black-glazed wine pot with a pattern of sunflower and Wooden Kang Table.
Today, the Residence of Laoshe stands as a memorial to a man who loved Beijing. He was born in Beijing and wrote about Beijing throughout his life. As you explore this courtyard, remember the stories that were born here. Remember the man who brought Beijing to life through his words. This is more than a museum; it is a testament to the power of literature and the enduring spirit of Lao She.