Lao She Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Lao She (pen name of Shu Qingchun) was one of the most significant Chinese writers of the 20th century. Born in Beijing in 1899, he came from a poor Manchu family and lost his father at a young age. Despite these early hardships, Lao She excelled academically and became a teacher.

In 1924, Lao She moved to London to teach Chinese at the School of Oriental Studies (now SOAS, University of London). He lived at 31 St James’s Gardens in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea from 1925 to 1928. During his time in London, Lao She immersed himself in English literature and began writing his own works, drawing inspiration from his experiences as a Chinese expatriate in the city.

Lao She’s most famous novel, “Rickshaw Boy” (1937), vividly depicts the struggles of a rickshaw puller in Beijing and is considered a masterpiece of modern Chinese literature. His other notable works include “Cat Country” (1932), a satirical science fiction novel, and the play “Teahouse” (1957). Lao She’s writings often critiqued the social and political issues of his time with humor and insight.

Tragically, Lao She died in 1966 during the Cultural Revolution. However, his legacy as one of China’s greatest modern writers endures. The blue plaque at his former London residence, erected in 2003, commemorates his time in the city and the profound impact it had on his literary career. For tourists exploring the historic Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, this plaque serves as a reminder of the global influence of literature and the importance of cross-cultural exchange.