Zhengyangmen

Welcome to Zheng-yang-men, more commonly known to locals and visitors as Qian-men, the 'Front Gate.' Standing majestically at the southern end of Tian-an-men Square, this gate is one of the most iconic landmarks along Beijing's…

We begin at the southern-most structure: the Zheng-yang-men Archery Tower or 'Jian Lou.' This imposing stone fortress was designed to rain projectiles down upon any would-be invaders. With its dozens of small archery windows, it…

Now, let’s focus on the northern structure: the interior Gate Tower. This is the heart of Zheng-yang-men, completed in 1421 during the Ming Dynasty. …

Stepping south of the gate, we enter Qian-men Commercial Street, also known as 'Taj' in Chinese. This area has a 600-year history as a bustling hub of merchants selling silk, tea, and handicrafts. …

One of the most prestigious stops on this street is Tong-ren-tang, a traditional Chinese medicine store founded in 1669. For 188 years, it served as the exclusive provider of medicine for eight Qing emperors. …

No visit to Qian-men is complete without experiencing its culinary history. This street is home to Quan-ju-de, the world-famous Peking roast duck restaurant founded in 1864. …

As we head toward the end of our walk, we pass Re-fu-yuan, a silk store that has provided high-quality fabrics since 1893. In the Qing Dynasty, its tailor-made 'Qipao' or 'Cheongsam' were the height of fashion for the imperial…

As you finish your walk through Zheng-yang-men and its surrounding streets, you have touched the pulse of Beijing's past and present. While Tian-an-men to the north may be more famous internationally today, during the imperial…