Driving in Beijing Part 2

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Qianmen Street

Turning left from Dongchang’an Jie onto the street that lines the Tiananmen square, we head south towards Qianmen Street. Originally built 570 years ago during the Zhentong Period of the Ming Dynasty, Qianmen Street has gone through several renovation projects over many generations. This saturated-by-history street today features colorful and ornate Chinese structures modeled on the ones from the 1920’s and 30’s.

Many buildings have red, gold, blue intricate mosaics, bright red thick columns, and shiny green roofs. The grand and tall five arches Qianmen Wupailou structure welcomes people to this pedestrian-and-tram-only shopping street. Birdcage, rattle drum, and sugar-coated haws streetlamps invite first comers to continually explore the hidden gems. And, at nights, the buildings on this street glow like gold bars.

During the Ming Dynasty this street served as a trading and shopping center. Today, almost six centuries later, it is still true to its original purpose. It is as easy to shop for traditional garments worn by the people of Beijing for centuries as to shop for modern western clothing. International western brands such as H&M, Rolex, Swatch, Zara, and Sephora can be found next to stores selling silk pajamas, Chinese knots, cloth shoes, and artworks.

The eastern scents of Peking duck, deep-fried twisted dough stick, and steamed dumplings mixed with the modern aromas of western franchise cafes, fried chicken and hamburger fast food restaurants make us think about food even when we are not hungry. A trip to this place won’t be complete without dining at the famous Quanjude Roast Duck restaurant. Originally founded in 1864, the relatively new elegant large and airy Chinese dining hall, filled with ornaments and giant paper chandeliers, transports diners back in time. Each duck served here comes with a certificate of authenticity. Here, the passion for making the perfect Peking duck is similar to the one for making the perfect wine...@driving-vacation

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Driving in Beijing Part 2
Qianmen Street

Driving in Beijing Part 2
Qianmen Street

Driving in Beijing Part 2
Qianmen Street

Driving in Beijing Part 2
Qianmen Street