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| Photo of the Old Qianmen Dajie Market Street as It Looked in the 1920's |
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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 Ameica. 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.
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| Emperor Qianlong, Du Yi Chi Restaurant |
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| Du Yi Chu Restaurant, Dashilan Jie |
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There is
much fascinating history in this area of the city. History tells the story that 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.
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| Ruifuxiang Silk Store, Dashilan Jie |
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| Inside Ruifuxiang Silk Store |
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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.
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| Tea Shop Welcomes Customers |
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| Colorful Lantern Hanging in Shop Doorway |
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| Historic Da Guanlou Theater, Dashilan Jie |
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| Ren Qingtai, Father of Chinese Film |
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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.
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| Bird Cage Lighting, Qianmen Dajie |
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| Pedestrian Friendly, Qianmen Dajie |
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| Enjoy a Ride on an 1920's Trolley |
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