Qianmen Street is a well-known cultural and shopping destination in the Chinese capital, Beijing. Having a total length of 840 m and a width of about 21 m, the avenue today is characterized by an array of Qing Dynasty style buildings.
The locality lays claim to a history of over 570 years, and was known as Zhenyangmen Street at the time of the Qing and Ming Dynasties. At the time of the Qing era many merchants had outlets along the avenue, including a cloth market, meat market and jewellery market. Additionally there were numerous warehouses, theatres and the workshops of craftsmen in the small lanes of the locale.
Today Qianmen Street has been renovated and refurbished; after a year of renovation it was again made accessible to the public in time for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Today it is considered to be an authentic symbol of traditional Chinese culture, and a typical example of the local mode of life. Several typical Chinese establishments can be found along the avenue.
Yitialong Restaurant is a genuine Muslim restaurant which specializes in dishes like golden fried prawns and crispy fried chicken. Another fine restaurant in the locality is Quanjude, best known for its roast duck, along with over 400 other dishes. Meanwhile Douyichu, which boasts a history of no less than 250 years, was once a tavern; according to tradition its name was conferred by Emperor Qianlong. Today it specializes in wheat cake and a selection of fried and roasted dishes.
Another well-established name is Changchuntang, a drugstore with a history stretching back over 200 years. Here you will find both traditional Chinese as well as Western medications for a regular clientele.
At Qianmen Street you will also find a host of Western brands and outlets, including H&M, Zara, Haagen-Dazs, S K Jewellery, Sephora and more. With all this on offer a visit to the well-known Qianmen Street is sure to be memorable, regardless of your tastes or preferences.
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Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
