|
Beijing,
as it develops, is gradually defined by lots of tall
buildings, large mansions and shopping streets. The
modern Chang'an Avenue, Qianmen pedestrian malls and
Wangfujing Street present to the world a prosperous
and bustling capital. However, none of them can
speak for the historical culture of Beijing.
The old streets in Beijing, such as Yandaixie Jie
(Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street), Guozijian Street and
Nanluoguxiang Street, can best interpret the
history, culture and architectural heritage of
Beijing.
Yandaixie Jie (Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street)
Yandaixie Jie means "Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street" in
English. It starts from Di'anmen Street in the East
and ends at Qianhai in the West. Measuring almost
300 meters long, the street resembles a huge tobacco
pouch. Also as it runs from the northeast to
southwest, hence the name "Skewed Tobacco Pouch
Street".
 |
Another reason for its name's origin is reflected to
the people who lived there in the Qing Dynasty
(1644-1911), and that they adored smoking pipes. Due
to the large demand for pipes, many tobacco pouch
stores were opened, thus giving the street the name
"Tobacco Pouch".
Today, the old street has become a popular
destination for visitors. Wandering along the
street, visitors will find many stores selling
pipes, tobacco pouches, antiques and all kinds of
souvenirs. The trendy bars, old-style shops and
featured inns are all attractive to the eyes.
In November, 2010, Yandaixie Jie was named "Chinese
historical and cultural street", after Guozijian
Street in 2009.
Transportation: take bus No. 60, 82, 107, 124 or 204
and get off at Di'anmen.
Guozijian Street
Guozijian Street is located in the northwest of
Dongcheng district in Beijing. It starts from
Yonghegong Dajie in the East and ends at Andingmen
Nei Dajie in the West. It gets its name from the
Guozijian it houses. Guozijian was the Imperial
College in Yuan (1279–1368), Ming (1368-1644) and
Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
 |
Guozijian Street is the first street titled "Chinese
historical and cultural street" in Beijing. It is an
antique street combining Beijing's past and present.
The classical atmosphere of the street can be
immediately felt by the four color-painted archways
standing on the two ends. In the street, visitors
can find many interesting antique stores, tea houses
and traditional shops. As it connects to the Lama
Temple in the East, the perfumed scent of burning
incense embalms the air, making the street more
tranquil and classical.
Transportation: take bus No.13 or 684 and get off at
Guozijian.
Nanluoguxiang Street
Located between Gulou Dong Dajie (Drum Tower East
Street) and Di'anmen East Street, Nanluoguxiang
Street is a traditional well preserved historical
street in downtown Beijing. Measuring over one
kilometer long, the quaint street boasts hutong and
courtyards. A lot of handicraft shops selling the
artifacts designed by local artists and souvenir
stores offering keepsakes are packed in the street.
 |
Neighboring attractions: Drum Tower East Street (Gulou
Dong Jie) and Houhai Lake
Transportation: take bus No.13, 118, 612 or 823 and
get off at Luoguxiang.
(Sources: China Daily) |
