From birth to tragic final chapter - the life and times of a literary master

Lao She was born on Feb 3, 1899, and six years later began his education through private tutoring, which was paid for by a distant relative.

In 1913, Lao She was admitted to Beijing No 13 Middle School but dropped out due to poverty in his family. The same year, he was accepted to study at Beijing Normal School, which offered him free tuition and accommodation. He graduated in 1918.

Later that year, Lao She became one of the youngest headmasters of Fangjia Hutong Primary School after graduating from Beijing Normal School.