Former Residence of Cheng Yanqiu

　　　　       Cheng Yanqiu (1904—1958), of Manchu ethnicity, was one of the “Four Great Dan” of Peking Opera. He made his stage debut at age 11, specializing in Qingyi roles, and founded the “Cheng School.” His original stage name was Cheng Juyi, which he later changed to Cheng Yanqiu, with the art name Yushuang. He eventually settled on the name Cheng Yanqiu, using the art name Yushuang. During the Japanese puppet regime, he lived in seclusion and farmed in Qinglongqiao in the suburbs of Beijing. After 1949, he served as Vice President of the Chinese National Academy of Opera.

　　　　    The residence is a traditional two-courtyard compound facing south, covering an area of approximately 390 square meters. Cheng Yanqiu lived here from 1937 until his passing. The outer room of the northern house in the rear courtyard served as his study and practice space, which he named “Yushuang Study.” Yushuang is another name for the hibiscus flower, also known as “refusing frost.” The inner room functioned as his bedroom. The residence retains its original architectural layout, with interior furnishings largely preserved in their original state. It is a key cultural relic protected by Beijing Municipality.

　　　　    Location: No. 39, Beisantiao No. 3, Xicheng District

　　　　    Area: 390 square meters     Transportation Information
　　    Transportation: Take bus routes 7 or 38 and get off at Baozi Hutong Station, then walk east.

　　     Xicheng District, Beijing

　　Cheng Yanqiu (1904~1958)　　    Cheng Yanqiu (January 1, 1904 – March 9, 1958), male, originally named Cheng Lin, of the Suochuoluo clan of the Manchu ethnicity, belonging to the Plain Yellow Banner of the Manchu Eight Banners. A native of Beijing, he later adopted the Han surname Cheng. His original given name was Cheng Junong, later changed to Yanqiu, with the art name Yushuang. Starting in 1932, he changed his name to Yanqiu and his art name to Yushuang. He was a renowned Peking Opera performer, a famous dan (female-role) actor, a master of Peking Opera arts, a distinguished Peking Opera artist, one of the “Four Great Dan,” and the founder of the Cheng School of Peking Opera. Cheng Yanqiu was born on December 20, 1904, at 5:00 PM on the 14th day of the 11th lunar month in the 30th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign. In his early years, his family fell on hard times, and at the age of six, he became a disciple of Rong Diequan, training in martial arts and studying under Rong Chunliang... Details+