shadow puppetry
2026-07-24
Tu Ye (Lord Rabbit)
2026-07-24
Everything about the Hairy Monkey is just plain delightful.
The story begins over a hundred years ago, in the back room of a Chinese pharmacy. A young apprentice, fresh off a scolding, grabbed a handful of medicinal odds and ends on a whim— and pieced together a tiny monkey, a cheeky caricature of his boss. He never imagined that little creature would take the whole capital by storm.
Four humble herbs became known as “monkey ingredients,” and for over a century, they’ve remained a cult sensation in apothecary shops across Beijing.
The creative possibilities? Endless. Wild. Wonderfully weird. With fuzzy little bodies and comically expressive body language, Hairy Monkeys have charmed children for generations. A spark of imagination, a few simple props— and you can build entire worlds, from bustling street scenes to mischievous vignettes. Think of it as the ultimate analog building toy: more challenging, more personal, and way more fun.
Come to No. 93 Courtyard Museum. Discover the childlike whimsy behind the Hairy Monkey. Craft your own one-of-a-kind piece using those same four traditional herbs. Pack authentic Beijing character into a keepsake box— and take home a pocket of pure, old-school innocence, made only in this city, made only by you.
