In 1914, Zhu Qiqian, who was then the Minister of Internal Affairs in the early days of the Republic of China, planned and presided over the first renovation of Beijing. The small building located at No. 7, Nanchizi Street was designed by the German architect Roskegel. It adopts a Western style and combines traditional Chinese architectural techniques, and was completed in 1916.
After its completion, the building was used as the office space of the Beijing Municipal Government.​ Shortly after liberation, this small building was allocated to the People's Pictorial as a staff dormitory.
In 2019, the Luchou Group (the current operator of the Luchou Store) took over the building. Adhering to the principle of "restoring the old as it was", they removed the tiles and wallpaper added by the merchants later, restoring the original appearance of the building, revealing the original German-style frame structure, and preserving historical traces. The interior of the Lu Silk store is decorated in a minimalist style with Qing Dynasty cement, reflecting the integration of history and modernity. It showcases historical collections of Lu silk and modern Lu silk handicrafts, such as dragon and phoenix Lu silk quilts, Lu silk morning robes, and Lu silk cultural and creative products, balancing artistry and practicality.
At present, Lu Silk Store only accepts reservations for visits. If you happen to visit during non-event hours, you may be able to enter temporarily. The store holds cultural exhibitions from time to time, presenting the dual historical context behind Lu silk and architecture.
No. 7, Nanchizi Street, Lu Silk Store, with a century-old Western-style building as its carrier, connects the memories of architecture, craftsmanship and the history of the imperial city through the cultural symbol of Lu silk, becoming a hidden cultural landmark around the Forbidden City.