Pronounced as 'da shi la r' by the local people, Dashilar Street happens to be one of the most ancient, if not famously distinctive commercial streets out of all of the hutongs in Beijing. Located outside the Qianmem Gate, it takes dozens of steps to walk from southwest of Tian'anmen Square to its east end. The prosperous classes of the ancient capital nurtured their businesses here. Now, it is famous for all kinds of stores with an antique flavor. Many people come here to experience the relics of historic wealth. Every day there are 150,000-160,000 visitors. On weekends and public holidays, this increases to more than 200,000.

Dashilar Street originated in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and was finally built to completion in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Legend has it that it was built by local people, who put wooden fences at both ends during its construction. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and beyond, it was enlarged and grew prosperously day by day.

Since then the hutong acquired its name: Dashilar. See it during the day as a monument of China and of the infamously legendary Ming Dynasty.