北京，1912

Ning Boyong, a Manchu youth, studies in Japan for 6 years and when he returns home, the Revolution of 1911 bursts out. He hears his classmate manages Dahua Daily and he applies for a job as a journalist there. From the suburb to the downtown, Ning sees an increasingly changing Beijing. He knows Baimudan, a female actress of Bangzi in Longquan Temple and makes her a star together with Peishang and Yimin. Since then, Baimudan gradually grows famous and leans on the moneybag of Wei Erye, alienating Ning Boyong and his friends. Ning knows a prostitute named Xiuqing who is indifferent to dignitaries and businessmen, but gives a special treatment of Ning and they gradually fall in love with each other. Unfortunately, Xiuqing falls ill and commits her mother and brother to Ning's care... Beijing 1912 by Mu Rumian expounds the destiny of Banner people in Beijing and delicately reproduces the social customs of old Beijing hundred of years ago as well as the life experiences of an idealist who desires to change the old China.