Beijing Lu Xun Museum: Step Into the Home and Mind of a Literary Giant

In the bustling city of Beijing lies a quiet courtyard tucked away in a traditional hutong. This was once the residence of Lu Xun, the founding father of modern Chinese literature, and today it stands as a sacred destination for literature lovers.

The Beijing Lu Xun Museum, located at No. 19 Gongmenkou Ertiao, Fuchengmen Inner Street, Xicheng District, is one of the first biographical museums established in New China. It consists of Lu Xun’s former residence and the exhibition hall of his life. Since its opening in 1956, it has become a major place to showcase his life, thoughts, and literary achievements. Walking through the delicate courtyard, you’ll feel transported back in time to the world where this literary master lived and created.

1. Why This Museum Is Worth Your Time

The Lu Xun Museum is not only one of China’s first National First-Class Museums, but also an important landmark in modern cultural history. The building itself is a typical Beijing courtyard house that Lu Xun redesigned in 1924. Between its red walls and gray tiles, you can still sense the charm of traditional architecture.

What makes this museum unique is the perfect blend of preserving Lu Xun’s original home with a detailed life exhibition. Visitors can feel his daily life while also understanding his literary achievements and intellectual journey. As a key figure in the May Fourth New Culture Movement, Lu Xun’s home and museum serve as the best window to explore the roots of modern Chinese literature.

Compared to Beijing’s larger museums, the Lu Xun Museum has a more intimate atmosphere. It’s a place where you can slow down and immerse yourself in the spirit of a great writer. Whether you’re a literature enthusiast or a traveler curious about modern Chinese history, this museum will leave a lasting impression.

2. What You’ll Find Inside

The museum has two main sections: Lu Xun’s Former Residence and the Exhibition Hall of His Life.

The Former Residence is a carefully preserved courtyard house where Lu Xun lived from 1924 to 1926. You’ll see his self-designed “Tiger Tail” study-bedroom, just 8 square meters in size. Despite its modest scale, it was here that Lu Xun produced over 200 works, including essays in Wild Grass and Wandering, all of Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk and The Grave, and numerous pieces in Hot Wind.

The Exhibition Hall offers a comprehensive look at his life through more than 30,000 cultural relics. Highlights include:

• The only surviving manuscript fragment of The True Story of Ah Q, one of the most important works in modern Chinese literature.
• The manuscript of “Self-Portrait in Small Script”, written when Lu Xun was in his twenties.
• Lecture notes corrected by Fujino-sensei, reflecting Lu Xun’s years studying in Japan.
• The Beijing University emblem designed by Lu Xun, showing his talents beyond writing.

The exhibition is arranged chronologically, from his childhood and studies in Japan, through his decision to abandon medicine for literature, to his rise as a cultural icon. It provides a full picture of his intellectual journey and literary contributions.

3. How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Recommended Route: Start with the Exhibition Hall to gain a broad understanding of Lu Xun’s life, then move to his former residence for a more personal experience.

Time Needed: About 1–2 hours. If you’re especially interested in Lu Xun, plan more time to study the manuscripts and documents closely.

Guided Services: The museum provides Chinese and English audio guides, as well as guided tours in both languages. Clear English signage also makes self-guided tours easy.

Accessibility: Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent with a deposit. The main exhibition areas are accessible, though some parts of the historic residence may have thresholds or steps.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings are quieter, while weekends often see more student groups.

4. Getting There and Exploring Nearby

The museum is centrally located and easy to reach:

• By Subway: Take Line 2 to Fuchengmen Station. Exit from B, then walk 5–10 minutes.
• By Bus: Several lines, including 13, 42, 101, 102, and 103, stop nearby.
• By Car: Driving is not recommended due to limited parking in the hutong area. Public transport is strongly advised.

After your visit, you can stroll through the surrounding hutongs to soak in the atmosphere of old Beijing. The museum is also close to other landmarks like the White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple and the Temple of the Emperors of Past Dynasties, making it easy to plan a one-day cultural route.

5. Tickets and Opening Hours

• Tickets: Free admission for all visitors, including foreigners.
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.). Closed on Mondays except public holidays.
• Reservations: As of 2025, no reservation is required, but check official updates before visiting.
• Entry Policy: Visitors must present a valid ID (passport, ID card, or driver’s license) for entry. Those without valid documents must follow on-site verification procedures.

Final Thoughts

Though modest in size, the Lu Xun Museum is rich in meaning — much like Lu Xun’s works themselves, which reward quiet reflection. Visiting here is more than a museum trip: it’s a chance to engage in a timeless dialogue with one of China’s greatest literary minds.