Xi'anmen Street is a beloved street in Beijing, bustling with both hurried tourists and leisurely residents. There are curious cats and bold birds soaring overhead, and ancient brick buildings standing alongside crisscrossing power lines. The brick-carved gatehouse remains silence. Hutongs, churches, and scenic spots are connected by the main street, which makes it one of the great destinations for a summer citywalk in Beijing.
Xi'anmen Street stretches from Fuyou Street in the east to Xisi Street in the west, linking several important nearby roads. Its most prominent feature is the red-brick wall building located at the southeast corner of the Xisi Intersection. Originally a clothing store that relocated from Shanghai to Beijing in 1956, it was later renovated to its current appearance.
Xi'anmen Street derives its name from Xi'anmen, the western gate of the imperial city during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Although the gate was destroyed by fire, the name of this street remained. The overlapping trees on both sides cast a green shade, attracting a constant flow of visitors and serving as a daily backdrop for residents' lives. The various signs on the street indicate lively and bustling destinations. Buses and bicycles pass by slowly along this street.
Xi'anmen Street is also great for leisurely strolling. The North Church, a combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles, silently stands among the trees. The street offers a variety of interesting places to visit, such as cafes located in century-old buildings and the Honglou Public Library, a spiritual rest area with a rich collection of books. The buildings on both sides of the street are also noteworthy, as many of them hold a profound historical heritage, with brick-carved gatehouses standing under the shade of trees.
The tranquil hutongs and casually planted flowers stand in contrast to the hurried footsteps of tourists. The daily lives of residents are relaxed, with convenient buses right at their doorsteps and small shops along the street catering to their daily needs. They can easily reach tourist attractions with a short walk. Restaurants line the street, allowing you to enjoy a few buns for breakfast at Qingfeng, have a bowl of cold noodles at Yanji Restaurant on hot days, pick up some cooked food at Ziguangyuan, and grab some snacks at a nearby dessert shop. These are must-visit places in Beijing and also serve as the residents' canteen.
The combination of red bricks and green trees creates a unique street scene. The warm summer exudes the taste of sunshine. Seize the opportunity this midsummer to capture your exclusive memories of Xisi!
