Sanlitun Dongwujie (St)
Some hutongs have been around for centuries, retaining their ancient, serene, and deep character no matter when you visit. They are always full of untold stories and wear the marks of time.
There are streets that, though not very long—perhaps less than 500 meters—become unforgettable after a visit in autumn.
One such street is Sanlitun Dongwujie (St), located in Beijing's Second Embassy District.
The best time to visit is from late October to early November, when the ginkgo trees along the street are brilliantly golden, and the ivy on the walls turns a rich, deep red.
This street is arguably one of the most picturesque spots in Beijing for ginkgo viewing, known for its dense, golden foliage.
This area is home to the embassies of Belgium, Turkey, Congo, Portugal, Cameroon, Mexico, Denmark, and other countries. Each embassy boasts its own unique architecture, walls, colors, and styles. When paired with the golden ginkgo leaves and the rich red ivy, the combination is simply enchanting.
The red walls of the Turkish Embassy are particularly striking, with their ordinary brickwork reflecting the traditional Forbidden City red of ancient Beijing. As a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures and a crucial trade node on the ancient Silk Road, Turkey's influence seems to echo through the embassy's low red walls and its simple two-story red building. It feels as if one has traveled back in time to witness the cultural exchange between two ancient civilizations.
Similarly, the yellow walls of the Cameroon Embassy are captivating. The bright yellow and orange hues under the sunlight are complemented by a tall ginkgo tree in the embassy’s courtyard, which shines even more brightly than the ginkgo trees on Dongwujie (St), possibly due to the full sunlight exposure. In this golden setting, Cameroon, the African lion, stands resilient and proud.
It is said that Mexico's chili peppers are among the hottest in the world. One might imagine that the embassy staff enjoys dining at "Zhang Mama Sichuan Cuisine" at the west end of Dongwujie (St), savoring the spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine.
Additionally, the Portuguese Embassy's subtle red hues amidst the sea of yellow are quite charming, as are the golden persimmons. Whether these persimmons are of the Zhangfang grinding persimmon variety from Beijing's Fangshan District remains a mystery. However, the symbolism of persimmons in Chinese culture, representing "everything going as wished," is well known among many foreigners who have lived in Beijing.
Unlike other cities in China, Beijing stands out as the nation's capital, serving as the political, cultural, international exchange, and technological innovation center of the country. With numerous foreign missions based here, Beijing allows one to appreciate cultural exchanges, mutual understanding, and international friendships through its intricate details and scenic spots.
Sanlitun Dongwujie(St) is more than just its ginkgo trees and embassies. Nearby, you'll find the vibrant and fashionable Taikoo Li Sanlitun shopping street, the international-style waterfront along the Liangma River, and a host of international brand hotels such as the Jumeirah Westin, Kempinski, InterContinental Sanlitun, and Bulgari. The area also features trendy bookstores, coffee shops, and dining spots.
Sanlitun Dongwujie(St) may be neither very wide nor very long, but it is a street full of romance.
