Photo of the Old Qianmen Dajie Market Street as It Looked in the 1920's

Located just south of Tian'anmen Square and the Qianmen Gate, Qianmen Market Street has been in the business of buying and selling goods since before the discovery of America. Renovated recently, it is now a pedestrian-friendly mall. Many of the shops here are hundreds of years old, and are a good place to buy silk items, paintings and Chinese medicine.

There is fascinating historical story about this area of the city. History books tell the story. Emperor Qianlong was returning home very tired and hungry. All the shops were closed, except one small shop. In that shop Qianlong had a good dinner. The next day a signboard with the name Duyichu was delivered to his shop by palace officials. The owner then learned that the people he had entertained the night before included the emperor. Many people then came to taste the food that had been praised by the emperor, and that is how Duyichu Shaomai Restaurant got its name. Although Duyichu is the oldest restaurant in the area, it is not the only famous one. Try Yi Tiao Long (1785), or just wander the area and let your stomach be your guide.

Many famous, old stores and restaurants line Qianmen Dajie and Dashilan Jie, the side street entering Qianmen Dajie on the west. Dashilan Jie has some of Beijing oldest shops, such as Tongrentang (Chinese Traditional Medicine), Neiliansheng (shoes), and Ruifuxiang (silk and fabrics). After seeing the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, take a break from sightseeing and do some shopping in the stores here.

Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, Da Guanlou Theatre was built in 1903 by Ren Qingtai, the father of Chinese film. For decades, the theatre was considered to be the home of Chinese cinema. If you are interested in a trip back in time to see the famous movies of China, consider a stop here.

Enjoy a Ride on a 1920's Trolley

Return to Recommendations For Beijing Shopping