[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Cao Xueqin Former Residence Memorial Hall (Updated May)

Cao Xueqin's Former Residence and Museum Cao Xueqin's *Dream of the Red Chamber* is one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature. In traditional Chinese culture, it serves as an encyclopedia of feudal society, giving rise to the specialized field of "Redology." After the 2025 Spring Festival, the Cao Xueqin Former Residence and Museum, located northeast of the Ciqikou intersection in Beijing, reopened its doors, welcoming visitors to relive the *Dream of the Red Chamber*. Of the five exhibition halls open to the public, Halls 3 to 5 narrate the history of the Cao family, from their ancestral home in the south to Beijing, their relationship with the imperial court, and their rise and fall. They also explain the origins of the former residence and the research process behind the "Seventeen and a Half Rooms" at Suanshikou. Halls 1 and 2 host the special exhibition "Cao Family's Four Seasons Menu." Here, visitors can see the menus, ingredients, and tools used by the Cao family, offering a detailed introduction to China's long-standing culinary traditions. It also evokes memories of scenes from the novel and its television adaptations. Several highlights stand out in the museum: First, the model of Suanshikou Street and its sound simulation in Hall 3. The model reveals the street's bustling commercial activity in its heyday. The Cao family's "Seventeen and a Half Rooms" stand prominently on the street. At the interactive screen, visitors can hear the clamor of the marketplace, the ethereal melodies drifting through the moonlit night, the night watchman's calls, and the barking of dogs. The everyday life of the past comes alive like a movie for modern visitors. Second, in Hall 1, visitors can don headphones and watch videos to learn more about the exhibits. The winding display cases offer a refreshing change from traditional displays. Third, upon entering Hall 2, visitors are greeted by overlapping reflections from several mirrors, creating a disorienting but intriguing experience. This recreates a scene from the *Dream of the Red Chamber*. In Chapter 63, the Grand View Garden is described as a "labyrinth of enchantment" for Jia Baoyu's birthday celebration, with the Happy Red Court surrounded by layered floral screens and symbolic imagery. A large glass mirror invites today's visitors to step into the mirror and into the dreams of the past. *Dream of the Red Chamber* has influenced generations. It allows Beijing residents, while visiting Cao Xueqin's former residence, to gain a deeper understanding of life in the capital during that era and the unique historical context in which Cao Xueqin created his masterpiece. Tips: Cao Xueqin's Former Residence and Museum is located at 123 Guangqumennei Street, Dongcheng District. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm Transportation: Take Subway Line 5 or Line 7 to Ciqikou Station, Exit Northeast. Take Bus No. 57 or 23 to Langanshi Station. Take Bus No. 43 to Ciqikou South.

Address: No. 123, Guangqumen Inner Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (5 min walk from Exit F1 of Ciqikou Subway Station) Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00–17:00 The old house near Suansikou was demolished in 2000 to make way for Liangguang Road. 20 years later, they remembered it and built a brand new building on a different site. Every time I pass by Ciqikou, I see a mysterious courtyard, but I never knew that this was the home of Cao Xueqin, the author of "Dream of the Red Chamber". Today, I finally have time to come in and experience the culture! The courtyard is very exquisite, with red walls and blue tiles, and is quiet and elegant. The architectural style of the memorial hall is simple and elegant, which complements Cao Xueqin's life and creative environment, creating a strong cultural atmosphere. Through rich exhibits and detailed explanations, the memorial hall vividly recreates Cao Xueqin's life and creative environment. Especially those exhibits related to "Dream of the Red Chamber", such as manuscripts, editions, calligraphy and paintings, etc., make people feel as if they are in a literary world full of poetry and sorrow. Looks good! So excellent! Clean and nice

🌸 Have you ever been lost in the world of Dream of the Red Chamber? In Beijing, besides the Former Residence of Lao She, the Grand View Garden described by Cao Xueqin is waiting for you to explore. ✨ Morning: Former Residence of Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall 📍 No. 123, Guangqumen Inner Street (130 meters from Exit F1, Northeast, Ciqikou Subway Station) 🕗 Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00 From Ciqikou Subway Station, you can walk to the low-key Former Residence of Cao Xueqin. This is where Cao Xueqin, the author of Dream of the Red Chamber, moved to when he was 13 years old. Today, the three courtyards have a total of 17.5 rooms, mainly used for exhibitions. Walking in the antique courtyard, you can feel the creative atmosphere of Cao Xueqin. Remember to listen to a free lecture on Redology to learn more about this classic masterpiece! - ✨ Noon: Imperial Tea House 📍 No. 106, Andingmen Inner Street 🕗 09:00–20:00 After leaving the Former Residence of Cao Xueqin, walk into the antique Imperial Tea House and taste the exquisite pastries in Dream of the Red Chamber. Do the delicate pastries remind you of the feast in the book? - ✨ Afternoon: Temple of Heaven Park 📍 No. 1, Tiantan East Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing 🕗 06:30–22:00 (some areas close at 20:00) As an ancient royal sacrificial site, the Temple of Heaven has magnificent buildings and a long history. Stroll between the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar, and feel the solemnity and mystery of ancient emperors. - ✨ Evening: New World Beijing Hotel 📍 No. 8, Qinian Street After a long day, return to New World Beijing Hotel for a rest. The hotel is only a 10-minute drive from the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and Wangfujing, which is a great location. 💗 This time, I stayed in a deluxe room, which combines Chinese elements with a modern style. The room is warm and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of Beijing. At night, sit by the window and enjoy the city's dazzling night view. On the rooftop terrace bar "YIN" on the 12th floor, you can also see the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the distance, which is lit up at night, making for an unforgettable memory. 🌟 Tips: The breakfast at the hotel's Tian Tan Kitchen is quite good, with a wide variety of options. There are so many Beijing snacks that I can't finish them all. 😭 - ✨ Dinner: New World Beijing Hotel 📍 2F, New World Beijing Hotel The Beijing roast duck is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and there are also a variety of special snacks and desserts, each of which is exquisite. You can enjoy authentic Beijing cuisine without leaving the hotel. 💯 Enjoy the rich taste of Beijing.