Dongjiaomin Lane: A Walk Through Half of Beijing's Modern History

📚 Dongjiaomin Lane, built during the height of the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, stretches 1.6 km from the east side of Tiananmen Square to Chongwenmen Inner Street, making it the longest hutong in old Beijing. During the Yuan Dynasty, it served as a vital lane for transporting grain, hence its original name "Jiangmi Lane" (Glutinous Rice Lane). 📚 In modern times, it became a renowned embassy district. After the Second Opium War in 1860, countries such as Britain, France, the United States, Russia, Japan, Germany, and Belgium established embassies here, renaming the lane "Legation Street." 🚶‍♀️ A suggested east-to-west city walk route for Dongjiaomin Lane: Chongwenmen Subway Station Exit E ➡️ St. Michael's Church ➡️ Former Site of the Belgian Embassy ➡️ Former Site of the French Post Office ➡️ China Court Museum ➡️ Beijing Police Museum 🌟 St. Michael's Church: Built in 1901, this compact and exquisite French Gothic-style church is one of the four major churches in Beijing. The angel statue above the main entrance is particularly artistic. 🌟 Former Site of the Belgian Embassy: The largest and best-preserved European-style building complex in Dongjiaomin Lane, boasting a century of history. Characterized by red brick and white walls, the main building features a unique brick-laid stepped gable, reminiscent of the British Tudor style. 🌟 Former Site of the French Post Office: A retro, low-rise building with six prominent arched windows, built in 1910 (the second year of the Xuantong Emperor's reign). This French Renaissance-style building witnessed the history and changes of Dongjiaomin Lane and continues to stand as a silent testament to the past. 🌟 China Court Museum: A striking red and white Western classical-style building with a distinctive semi-circular red dome. This unique building blends elements of German Neo-Baroque and Dutch Classicism, making it a landmark in Dongjiaomin Lane. Taking photos here feels like being abroad! 🌟 Beijing Police Museum: An imposing gray building, formerly the site of Citibank, now open to the public free of charge. The exhibition spans four floors. 📍 Address: Dongjiaomin Lane, Chongwenmen, Dongcheng District, Beijing 🎫 Tickets: Free, but advance booking is required for museums