Suzhou Market Street, located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing, is a bustling street built to resemble a water town in Jiangnan. During the Qing Dynasty, it was specifically designed for the emperors and empresses to enjoy shopping and sightseeing. The street stretches over 300 meters and is divided by a small river. Along the riverbanks, there are tea houses, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, pawn shops, silk shops, and bookstores. Visitors to the Summer Palace can take a leisurely stroll or a boat ride along the river to enjoy shopping, creating a delightful experience reminiscent of ancient times.
Address: Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Highlights: The architecture of Suzhou Market Street represents typical folk-style storefronts, rather than grand imperial designs. The blue tiles, grey bricks, and whitewashed walls depict the simplicity of Jiangnan’s folk houses, with a touch of northern architectural elements. The archways, gate towers, and decorative patterns are painted in vibrant colors, adding a charming touch to the elegant water town scenery, creating a unique royal garden atmosphere.
West Damochang Street, located in the Dongcheng District’s Qianmen East area, is an old street that originated in the Ming Dynasty. It earned its name due to the gathering of numerous stone polishers and shops. With the passage of time, the ancient buildings transformed into large courtyards, and West Damochang Street eventually became an ordinary hutong, worn down by the river of history. However, this year has brought about new changes. After two years of renovation, Dongcheng District completed the first phase of the transformation and revitalization of West Damochang Street. Through the integration of historical and cultural preservation and the creative industry, the old street’s original appearance has been restored.
Address: West Damochang Street, Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Highlights: West Damochang Street is home to many old buildings, such as the Linfen Guild Hall and Sanshanzhai crystal optical store, both of which are famous attractions. It is said that the store was established during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty and is an antique-level old store. They specialize in polishing crystal eyeglasses, and back in the day, warlords like Wu Peifu and Duan Qirui would come to this store to buy glasses, attracting the attention of the public. However, it eventually fell into disrepair and became a large courtyard. This renovation was designed by a renowned Dutch designer.
Start your tour by visiting West Damochang Street in the morning. It is recommended to set off early, as the alleyways are quieter and peaceful in the morning. Walking along the street, it feels as if time has turned back to the old streets of the last century. Afterwards, you can explore some of the old shops on the street. It is these historic shops that make up the unique scenery of this old street. Then, you can take the special bus route 4 from Qianmen Station to Suzhou Market Street. The street was originally built by Emperor Qianlong in imitation of the water towns in Jiangnan, exclusively for the royal family of the Qing Dynasty to visit. It was later destroyed and turned into ruins, and was only reopened to the public in September 1990 after undergoing extensive renovations.
