Old Beijing Customs Map (1936)

Author: Xueyuan Editing Workshop
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The Map of Old Beijing Folklore was drawn by American General FRANKDORN in 1936, depicting people, animals, buildings, and transportation in cartoon style, vividly showcasing the customs and daily life of Beiping City during the Republican era. For example, it shows elderly gentlemen fighting roosters and releasing pigeons in the West City, thieves selling jewelry necklaces in the Xiaoshi Market, camel and donkey caravans entering and exiting Zuomin Gate and Youmin Gate, and foreigners playing golf in the Western Hills. Beyond replicating the geographical layout of Old Beiping, the upper-left corner of the map includes an illustration that traces the history of Beijing from the legend of the ancient state of Yan, through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, up to the capital's relocation to Nanjing. It humorously and vividly depicts the millennium-long evolution of Beijing. The original name of the map is "The Map of Old Peking Folklore," created by FRANKDORN. This is a purely English map. While ensuring clarity, we have added Chinese annotations to the English place names. In addition to correcting any mismatches, the translation of general place names follows the principle of either transliteration or free translation, respecting the original work. We strive to recreate the experience of a "foreigner" in 1936, walking beneath the imperial city walls, watching camel drivers holding large bowls and smelling the aroma of fried sauce noodles, allowing that authentic emotion to be presented before us.