An old photo of Songpo Library.[Photo/Cri.cn]

Seated in Shihu Hutong No.7, Xicheng district, Songpo Library is special in Chinese history since it was the home of Wu Sangui, the general who abandoned Ming Emperor Chongzhen and defected due to his love for his charming courtesan Chen Yuanyuan, a truth proving the saying, ”a beauty can ruin the country.” However, the girl soon felt heartbroken and ended her life by hanging herself when Wu Sangui got tired of her after he took up a cushy post in the Qing court. And for the past 100 years, the girl has been haunting the hutong.

Address: Songpo Library 7 Shihu Hutong, Xicheng district.