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Lao She's former residence is located at No. 58, Nanxin Street, Lixia District, Jinan City. Lao She left behind four former residences in Jinan, of which the one at No. 58 (formerly No. 54) Nanxin Street in the provincial capital is the best preserved. It was also in this small courtyard at No. 58 Nanxin Street that Lao She completed masterpieces such as "Winter in Jinan" and "Cat City".
In September 1934, Lao She accepted an offer from the School of Literature at Shandong University, and his family moved to Qingdao, settling in a Western-style bungalow on Laiwu Road (now 10A Dengzhou Road), the site of Shandong University. In 1936, they moved to the first floor of a second-floor building at No. 2 Huangxian Road, where they lived for over a year. That summer, Lao She resigned from his teaching position at Shandong University and began his career as a professional writer. It was here that he completed his renowned novel, "Camel Xiangzi."
Jinan has a temperate monsoon climate with obvious monsoons and distinct four seasons: dry and rainy spring, warm and rainy summer, cool and dry autumn, and cold and snowy winter.
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Lao She’s Former Residence is a preserved home of the renowned Chinese writer Lao She, best known for his works such as "Rickshaw Boy" and "Teahouse." The residence is a significant site for literary fans and those interested in Chinese history, providing a glimpse into the life and environment that influenced much of his writing.
The residence is located in Jinan, Shandong Province. It is best accessed by taxi, as it is not directly near a metro station. You can also take local buses to the nearby area and walk to the residence.
The site is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee is typically affordable, around ¥20-30, and tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. There is no online ticketing system currently in place.
No, booking tickets in advance is not required. Tickets are available for purchase at the site, but it may be helpful to visit early during peak times to avoid long waits.
You can fully explore Lao She’s Former Residence in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and the amount of time spent reading the displays.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and it’s advisable to check in advance for English-speaking guides. Audio guides in Mandarin are also available for self-guided tours.
The best spots for photos include the traditional courtyard garden, which is filled with greenery, and the exhibition room with its display of Lao She’s personal items. The entrance gate of the residence is also a charming spot for photographs.
Start by exploring the courtyard and external architecture, then move inside to the main exhibition halls where you can learn about Lao She’s life and works. End by visiting the room where Lao She used to write.
There are no night visits or light shows at Lao She’s Former Residence. The site is primarily a historical and cultural attraction focused on day visits.
The residence can be crowded on weekends or holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
The site has basic facilities such as restrooms and a small shop selling souvenirs. There are no major food or drink options available on-site, but there are restaurants nearby in Jinan city center.
The site is relatively accessible for elderly visitors and children, with well-maintained paths and steps. However, some parts may be difficult for visitors with mobility issues, as the residence retains many traditional features.
Cash is accepted at the entrance for tickets and souvenirs. Some local vendors near the site may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay, but it is advisable to carry cash for convenience.
Vegetarian options are available at most local restaurants, and halal food can be found in specialty restaurants in the Jinan area.
There is a small souvenir shop at the residence offering Lao She-related memorabilia, books, and traditional Chinese crafts like silk and tea. Nearby shops also sell local handicrafts.
