An Unforgettable Walking Tour in Beijing

Situated in Beijing's historical central axis with 840-meterlength,Qianmen Street has become one of the most popular spots for walk-taking tour in China.

Qianmen Street began to develop about 570 years ago. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) the street was dotted with guild halls built by different localities, to provide housing to citizens intending to take the imperial exams or do official business with the Imperial Court, just north of the Zhengyangmen Tower. It became even more prosperous during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) with the development of activities such as lantern fairs – many opera halls, teahouses and even a red-light district appeared. Places like the Guanghe Theater and the Quanjude roast duck restaurant are part of Beijing's history.

It's said that Qianmen Street was the path ancient Chinese Emperors took to visit the Temple of Heaven for annual ceremonies of prayers to Heaven for a good harvest, so the street is also known as the "Street of Heaven." As such, during the renovation, a special stone path for Chinese emperors, like today's red carpet for Heads of State, was recreated in the middle of the street.

Every night,The 840-meter street and its nearby alleys were extremely crowded.The re-erected sculptural archway at the entrance, just south of the gigantic military fortress of Zhengyangmen, offers itself as the pedestrian street's landmark and heralds its traditional flavor.Business is booming at all of the restaurants along the street – all, including Quanjude, have long queues of customers waiting to eat.It was reported that 42 traditional shops, demolished during the socialist transformation campaign that began in 1956, have been restored.

Qianmen also forms a link with the life of old Beijing, often associated with the old hutongs. To get the sights and sounds and smells of a communal life outside the courtyard walls, travel further to the west.Qianmen Street presents a scene of friendly chaos. Old Beijing still exists,Though the city may seem obscured by neon and scaffolding, there are still wonderful nooks and crannies all around us, and Qianmen Street is one of them.If you would like to take a look at it,just get to go for it.