Old streets in Beijing(1)
Beijing, as it develops, is gradually defined by lots of tall buildings, large mansions and shopping streets. The modern Chang'an Avenue, Qianmen pedestrian malls and Wangfujing Street present to the world a prosperous and bustling capital. However, none of them can speak for the historical culture of Beijing.
The old streets in Beijing, such as Yandaixie Jie (Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street), Guozijian Street and Nanluoguxiang Street, can best interpret the history, culture and architectural heritage of Beijing.
Yandaixie Jie (Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street)
Yandaixie Jie means "Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street" in English. It starts from Di'anmen Street in the East and ends at Qianhai in the West. Measuring almost 300 meters long, the street resembles a huge tobacco pouch. Also as it runs from the northeast to southwest, hence the name "Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street".
Another reason for its name's origin is reflected to the people who lived there in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and that they adored smoking pipes. Due to the large demand for pipes, many tobacco pouch stores were opened, thus giving the street the name "Tobacco Pouch".
Today, the old street has become a popular destination for visitors. Wandering along the street, visitors will find many stores selling pipes, tobacco pouches, antiques and all kinds of souvenirs. The trendy bars, old-style shops and featured inns are all attractive to the eyes.
In November, 2010, Yandaixie Jie was named "Chinese historical and cultural street", after Guozijian Street in 2009.
Transportation: take bus No. 60, 82, 107, 124 or 204 and get off at Di'anmen.
