Qing Empire
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Lao She
Beijing, Qing Empire
Archival Overview
Manchu-Chinese novelist and playwright celebrated for Rickshaw Boy and Teahouse, master of Beijing dialect humor and empathetic chronicler of urban working-class life.
Biographical Record
Born into an impoverished Manchu banner family, Shu Qingchun (pen name Lao She, 1899–1966) taught Chinese in London before returning to write masterpieces of social realism. In 1937, he published 'Luotuo Xiangzi' ('Rickshaw Boy'), tracing the tragic downfall of an honest Beijing rickshaw puller.
In 1957, Lao She premiered 'Teahouse' ('Chaguan'), a brilliant three-act play chronicling half a century of Chinese historical turbulence through patrons of a Beijing tea shop. Persecuted during the early Cultural Revolution, he ended his life in Taiping Lake.
Key Life Milestones
Publication of 'Rickshaw Boy'
Published his classic novel depicting the exploitation and despair of Beijing's urban poor.
Premiere of 'Teahouse'
Premiered the celebrated three-act drama surveying modern Chinese history through a Beijing teahouse.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialBeijing, China