Beijing. Stroll through the old streets: Stroll through the old streets

Author: Cheng Shanqing
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2002-01-01
Features: The naming of Beijing's streets and hutongs each has its own origin and characteristics. Due to the passage of time, changes in circumstances, and frequent name changes over the years, the original meanings have become difficult to decipher. After the Ming Emperor Chengzu established Beijing as the capital, old streets named after government offices, institutions, or the residences of noble families began to appear. For example, the Neiguanjian (Inner Imperial Court Affairs) near Shijingshan Houcheng was originally an official bureau overseeing the court's internal affairs. Its clear target made it a fitting name for a hutong. After the liberation, it was renamed Gongjian Hutong, although the change played with homophones, leaving people confused about its meaning. Another example is Zhang Huangqin Hutong on Deshengmen Dajie, named after the ancestral home of Empress Zhang, consort of Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty. It was later renamed Shangqin Hutong, but it remains unclear whether the residents of the hutong actually admire the virtue of "qin" (diligence). To the west of Erlong Road lies Guangningbo Street, whose origin dates back to the Ming Emperor Chengzu's general Liu Rong, who was enfeoffed as Guangningbo for his contributions in fighting against Japanese pirates. His residence here later became the street name. Although the street name has remained unchanged to this day, few people know who Guangningbo was. Meanwhile, Dongchang Hutong, located west of Wangfujing Dajie, was originally the site of the Eastern Depot (Dong Chang), an intelligence agency under the control of Liu Jin, the director of the Imperial Secretariat during the Ming Dynasty. The Eastern Depot was a secret police force that monitored officials and suppressed the people. Although the hutong still exists, very few people are aware of its history.
This book is a collection of essays on Beijing, divided into six parts to explore the city. These parts include: The Architectural Style of Old Streets; The Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Old Streets; The Religious Culture of Old Streets; Glimpses of Folk Customs in Old Streets; Historical Anecdotes of Old Streets; and A Tour of the Ancient Sites in Old Streets.