Former Residence of Guo Moruo in Beijing

Former Residence of Guo Moruo in Beijing

The Former Residence of Guo Moruo in Beijing is a national AA-level tourist attraction, a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, and a base for patriotic education.

Destination Introduction

The Guo Moruo Memorial Hall is located at No. 18 Qianhai Xijie and officially opened to the public in June 1988. The memorial is built in the style of a traditional Chinese courtyard mansion. During the late Qing Dynasty, the site served as the stable area for Prince Gong’s Mansion, and in the early years of the Republic of China, it was developed into a residence that blended Chinese and Western architectural styles. Mr. Guo Moruo spent the last 15 years of his life here.

The former residence was originally a garden belonging to He Shen, a powerful minister of the Qing Dynasty. After He’s property was confiscated, the garden fell into disuse. During the Tongzhi era, it became a hayfield and horse stable for Prince Gong’s Mansion. In the Republican period, the descendants of the prince sold the mansion and garden to Fu Jen Catholic University, and this particular area was sold to the Leye Pharmacy of the Daran Tang. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it served as the embassy of the Mongolian People's Republic in China. Across the street from the entrance of the residence stands a brick screen wall. A small path inside the gate leads directly to a floral-pendant gate facing south. The residence features a golden plaque inscribed by [a notable figure], retaining the appearance it had during Mr. Guo’s lifetime. Four exhibition rooms use historical photos and precious cultural relics to outline Mr. Guo Moruo’s immortal achievements in poetry, drama, literary theory, ancient philology, and research on ancient society. They also showcase his remarkable contributions to the international peace movement and present the extraordinary life of an outstanding representative of revolutionary intellectuals.

The residence is a large traditional courtyard. Inside the main gate is an earthen mound adorned with trees. The five northern rooms just beyond the second gate served as Mr. Guo’s study and reception areas, with the eastern side room functioning as his bedroom, and three rooms on each of the east and west wings. The courtyard is surrounded by covered walkways, with enclosed corridors leading to the backyard. There is also an eastern annex courtyard. The residence preserves a large number of precious cultural materials, including manuscripts and books, that once belonged to Guo Moruo.

Upon entering the courtyard, you’ll see a bronze statue of Mr. Guo Moruo on the lawn. He appears serene, as if taking a rest or deep in thought. Passing through the floral-pendant gate, you’ll find a second courtyard consisting of east and west wing rooms and rows of main rooms. The corridors and heated passageways connect the space into one cohesive unit. The five main rooms facing you were Mr. Guo’s bedroom, study, and living room, all arranged and displayed as they were during his lifetime. As is widely known, since the May Fourth Movement, Mr. Guo Moruo had been an active figure on China’s cultural and scientific front. He achieved remarkable success not only in literature, art, history, and ancient philology but was also a highly influential social activist. The life exhibition follows this narrative thread, using Mr. Guo’s manuscripts, publications, historical photos, and other exhibits to introduce his accomplishments in various fields such as poetry, drama, literary theory, ancient scripts, ancient society studies, and calligraphy. It also highlights his historical contributions during different phases of the New Democratic Revolution and his immortal contributions in science, culture, education, international exchanges, and the peace movement after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. To help visitors gain deeper insight into Mr. Guo, thematic displays focus on his achievements in various academic fields or during different periods of history. A wide range of cultural relics once owned by Mr. Guo are also exhibited here, including manuscripts, books, rubbings, paintings, calligraphy, letters, and daily-use items.

The tranquil former home, bright and spacious courtyard, towering ancient cypresses, crisp birdsong, and rich natural fragrance are reminiscent of the poetic line: “Cicadas chirp, yet the forest feels quieter; birds sing, and the mountain seems more serene.” The deep courtyard twists and turns, dotted with pumpkin trellises, silver firs, lilies, peonies, lotuses—all planted personally by Mr. and Mrs. Guo. This has also given rise to the touching legend of the “Mother Tree.”

Location: No. 18 Qianhai Xijie, southwest bank of Shichahai, Beijing.

Transportation Information

Transportation: Get off at the Back Gate of Beihai Station via bus routes 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 701, 810, 823, or 850, then walk west along the northern side of the road.

Address: No. 18 Qianhai Xijie, Xicheng District, Beijing (Turn right at the entrance of Shichahai Sports School, and it’s about 50 meters ahead)

Type: Memorial Hall / Former Celebrity Residence

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 010-83222523

Official Website: http://guomoruo.cssn.cn/

Opening Hours:

9:00–16:30; Closed on Mondays

Ticket Information:

Gate Price: 20.0 RMB

Guo Moruo (1892–1978). Born on November 16, 1892, in Shawan, Tonghe County, Leshan, Sichuan Province. He graduated from Kyushu Imperial University in Japan and was a modern writer, historian, and one of the pioneers of modern Chinese poetry.

In 1914, Guo Moruo went to study medicine at Kyushu Imperial University in Japan. In 1921, he published his first poetry collection, "Goddess." In 1930, he wrote "Research on Ancient Chinese Society." In 1949, Guo Moruo was elected Chairman of the All-China Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

He once served as... [Details on Guo Moruo's positions at the Chinese Academy of Sciences] — More detailed information on Guo Moruo ++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level