Stroll Through the Old Street · Beijing

Author: Cheng Shanqing
Publisher:
Publish 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 and changes over the years, as well as frequent name changes, the original meanings have become difficult to discern. 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, Neiguanjian near Shijingshan Houtie was originally an official office responsible for court affairs. Its name became a hutong name because its purpose was obvious. After the liberation, it was renamed Gongjian Hutong, although the name change used homophones, it left people confused. Another example is Zhanghuangqin Hutong on Deshengmen Dajie, which was named after the family of Empress Zhang, the mother of Emperor Xiaozong, who lived there. Later, it was changed to Shangqin Hutong, but it is unclear whether the residents of the hutong actually admire the virtue of "qin" (diligence). To the west of Erlong Road is Guangningbo Street, whose origin lies in the fact that Liu Rong, a general under Emperor Chengzu, was enfeoffed as Duke Guangning for his contributions in resisting Japanese pirates. His residence here became the street name. Although the street name has remained unchanged to this day, very few people know who Duke Guangning was. And Dongchang Hutong, located on the western side of Wangfujing Dajie, was originally the site of the Eastern Factory, which was under the control of Liu Jin, the chief of the Imperial Secretariat during the Ming Dynasty. The Eastern Factory was in fact a special intelligence agency that monitored officials and suppressed the people. Although the hutong still exists, very few people know its history. This book is a collection of essays about Beijing, divided into six parts to explain the city. These 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 ancient sites in old streets.