Dashilan is located in Xicheng District of Beijing. It has been the busiest business street in the capital since the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (about 1420), and has a history of more than 600 years.
According to historical records, the Ming government set up a large wooden fence at the entrance of the street in order to maintain law and order, and because the fence here was particularly tall and spectacular, the people called this place “Dashilan”.
Nowadays, it has become one of the most representative historical and cultural neighborhoods in Beijing.
Architectural style of Dashilan
When you walk into Dashilan, the ancient architecture comes into your eyes. Traditional courtyards and hutongs are mostly found, with gray bricks and green tiles, wooden doors and stone steps, which give off a historical atmosphere everywhere.
At the same time, there are also some western buildings from the Republic of China period, which reflect the traditional buildings and form a unique cityscape. Strolling through the city is like traveling back to the ancient capital.
The architecture here retains traditional flavor and incorporates modern design elements, combining a sense of history with a modern flavor.
Explore the highlights of Dashilan
Langfang Toujiao and Grain Store Street: as an important part of Dashilan, these two streets are among the oldest commercial streets in Beijing. Here, you can find a variety of traditional handicrafts and specialty snacks, and feel the atmosphere of life in old Beijing.
Coal Market Street: Once the largest coal market in Beijing, it has been transformed into a commercial street with shopping, dining and entertainment. Here, you can taste authentic Beijing snacks such as fried noodles and bean juice.
Old Shops: Dashilan has many old stores with a long history, such as Tongrentang, Rui Fu Xiang and Neiliansheng. They have witnessed the prosperity of Beijing’s commerce and carry the memories of countless people.
Theater buildings such as Qing Leyuan and Sanqingyuan: Dashilan was once the entertainment center of the capital, with many famous theater buildings and teahouses. Although the opera houses no longer stage operas nowadays, they are still an important part of its history and culture.
Taste the food culture of Dashilan
Dashilan is a food paradise with many authentic Beijing snacks and specialty restaurants.
Traditional snacks:
Jinfang Snack Bar’s whipped cream fried cake with crispy skin and rich cream inside, better when eaten while hot, as well as bean juice, charred rings, donkey rolls;
Quanjude and Four Seasons Roasted Duck, with crispy skin and tender meat, chosen from Peking Duck, cooked by a special process;
Old Bakudu is full of crunchy and fresh, not oily, not greasy, and drizzled with sesame sauce and sauce is even more delicious;
No.69 Fried Noodle in Square Brick Factory is made from vegetables and fried sauce, with fragrant but not greasy; Dong Lai Shun is a famous restaurant in Dajie, and is a popular food in the city.
Dong Lai Shun Restaurant’s old Beijing copper pot shabu-shabu, seasonings and spices are the key to bring out the freshness of the meat;
Siu mai in Du Yi, opened in the third year of the Qing Dynasty, named after the plaque given by Qianlong, has a thin skin with lots of fillings and a tasty flavor;
Tian Xing Jiu’s fried liver with pork and triple-fresh buns is an excellent choice for tasting the flavor of old Beijing;
The century-old marinade in the old doorframe has a mellow broth and soft meat;
Feng Nian’s enchiladas have a charred exterior and a rich, garlicky aroma; Feng Nian’s enchiladas are tender inside and outside. Desserts: Sanyuan Meiyuan
Desserts:
Sanyuan Meiyuan Palace Dairy Products, originated from traditional Manchu techniques, have a delicate texture and rich milk flavor, including double-skin milk and bean paste milk rolls.
Specialties of long-established stores:
Ice cream and tea-flavored cookies of Wu Yu Tai Tea House are worth trying;
Yue Sheng Zhai’s beef in halal sauce is made with exquisite ingredients;
Tian Fu’s elbows are fat but not greasy, and it is a “long-established Chinese brand”;
Hundun Hau’s hunduns have a thin skin and a fine stuffing;
Zhang Yiyuan’s teas have seven kinds of gold medal-winning flower teas;
Tongrentang is a famous brand of traditional Chinese medicines;
Daoxiangcun’s cakes are varied;
Liubijiu’s sauces have a wide range of flavors.
There are many kinds of pastries in Daxiangcun;
Lubiju pickles are bright in color;
The pastries in the steamed bun store at the entrance of the palace have the heritage of the palace;
The hats of Majuyuan are well made;
The marinade of Chenji’s marinade of small intestines is unique.
In addition, Dashilan is also a good place for shopping, with specialty stores and shopping malls. Visitors can find unique souvenirs or companion gifts, but also to go to the Daguanlou to watch movies and listen to the De Yun She comedy.
Tips
Transportation Guide: Metro Line 2, Qianmen Station, Exit C. You can visit Tiananmen Square together!
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