When it comes to the very idea of old Beijing, it's difficult to find a more quoted, defining and influential person than the author Laoshe. Born to a poor Manchu family in 1899, Laoshe was not brought up with a silver spoon in his mouth, and one of the reasons that Laoshe’s stories became so popular was in fact his ability to write from common people’s point of view. Even though Laoshe’s best known books are all about Beijing, he spent long periods abroad, and his time in the UK was a formative experience for him. This was where he read the work of Charles Dickens, which became a main inspiration for his own writing, and just like in Dickens' London, the Beijing Laoshe describes is often a dark hopeless environment, but however bleak the prospects are for the main characters, Laoshe always find a place for humorous observations.
Laoshe witnessed the fall of the Qing dynasty, the establishment of the Republic, the Japanese occupation, and finally the Communist Liberation, and in his own unique style, he managed to bridge these very different historical periods through his impressive authorship.
On April 27 we will explore the life story of Laoshe from his childhood to his tragic suicide at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution.
Where to start: Beijing Postcards, No. 97 Yangmeizhu Street (杨梅竹斜街97号)
Cost: 150RMB/person