Live Your Best Lives
The former residence of Lin Juemin and Bing Xin is located at 17 Yangqiao Road, at the intersection of Yangqiao Lane and the west side of the north entrance of Nanhou Street . It currently features exhibitions titled "Lin Juemin's Life and History" and "Bing Xin and Fuzhou." The residence was originally home to seven branches of Lin Juemin's ancestors, including Lin Changmin.
After Lin Juemin was martyred in the Guangzhou Uprising, the Lin family fled the area and sold the house to Bing Xin's grandfather, Xie Luan'en. The Xie family lived there until the 1950s . Bing Xin lived there when she was eleven or twelve years old.
This former residence, a Qing Dynasty building, faces east and sits west, surrounded by fire-resistant walls. The front door faces the back street, and the main entrance once served as a " Wansheng Tongshi Store . " The main building has three courtyards and occupies 694 square meters. The main entrance now faces Yangqiao Road. Bing Xin and her parents originally lived in the left wing of the second courtyard, while her grandfather lived in the right wing, with the front serving as a study and the rear as a bedroom. Beyond the south wall of the main hall, starting from the east, is the Ziteng Study, connecting to the front porch of the main hall. A small courtyard lies in the southwest corner of the wall.
Bing Xin, in her later years, gave a vivid account of the courtyards in her book "My Hometown": " Our house has several courtyards, but they are not like the courtyards of Beijing's siheyuan ( quadrangle courtyards ) . Instead , in front of each row or entrance of the houses, there is a rectangular ' patio , ' each with a well , a characteristic of almost all Fuzhou houses. Besides living quarters, this large house also contains guest rooms and a study. Paintings and calligraphy are pasted or hung on the pillars and walls of nearly every hall, guest room, and study. "
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: less than 1 hour
free
8:30-17:00
The former residence of Lin Juemin and Bing Xin holds cultural and literary significance as it is the birthplace and residence of two influential figures in Chinese history. Lin Juemin was a notable figure during the late Qing dynasty, and Bing Xin was an influential writer and poet in the early 20th century, often celebrated for her contributions to modern Chinese literature.
The former residence is located in the center of Fuzhou, Fujian. It can be accessed by metro, bus, or taxi. The nearest metro station is within walking distance, and taxis are readily available throughout the city.
The residence is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays in the morning when it is less crowded.
Entrance to the former residence is free of charge, although there may be a small fee for special exhibitions or events. Tickets for such events can be purchased onsite or online through local platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for regular visits. However, for special events or exhibitions, it is advisable to book tickets a few days before your visit.
You will need about 1-1.5 hours to fully explore the residence, including the exhibits and surrounding grounds.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some staff may offer assistance in English for international visitors. Audio guides are not typically provided.
Start by exploring the main rooms of the residence, then proceed to the exhibitions detailing their lives and works. Finally, take a walk around the garden and surrounding areas to enjoy the peaceful environment.
Night visits and light shows are not available. Special tours or events may be organized occasionally, depending on the local calendar.
The residence tends to be less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends may see more visitors due to local interest.
The residence is accessible for elderly visitors and children, with some areas having paved paths. However, some historical sections may have stairs, which could be challenging for disabled visitors.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are preferred. Credit cards may also be accepted at certain locations in the area.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, though halal food may be limited. It’s best to check in advance for specific dietary requirements.
Souvenir shops near the residence sell local handicrafts, books, and postcards. Typical souvenirs include traditional Fujian teas, cultural artifacts, and small decorative items.
