In Xisi Nandajie (N. St), Xicheng, Beijing, there is a long-standing hutong called Zhuanta Hutong. This hutong has been recorded since the Yuan Dynasty, serving as the root of old Beijing and the source of Jing flavor culture. Despite its not-so-long length, this alley carries the vicissitudes of Beijing's changes with its profound historical heritage. Cultural figures like Lu Xun and Zhang Henshui have left their footprints here, as if every brick, tile, blade of grass, and tree in the hutong silently narrates the passage of over 600 years.
The name of the hutong comes from its central landmark - Wansong Laoren Pagoda. This pagoda enshrines the relics of the eminent monk Wansong Xingxiu from the Yuan Dynasty. It is the only existing brick pagoda in Beijing, now known as the "Yuan Wansong Laoren Pagoda," and is a key national cultural relic protection unit. Its uniqueness lies in its double-layered structure: the inner pagoda is a Yuan Dynasty relic, while the outer pagoda was added in the Qing Dynasty, forming a rare "pagoda within a pagoda" structure, resembling the human body with skin, hair, bones, and internal organs. Occupying most of the courtyard space, the mottled green bricks of the pagoda exude a sense of age, making it an excellent place for exploring ancient mysteries [No. 43 Xisi Nandajie (N. St)].
Complementing the brick pagoda is the Zhengyang Bookstore within the courtyard. Despite the cold winter, stepping into the bookstore feels like spring: traditional folk elements coexist harmoniously with modern cultural and creative products, from old Beijing literature to "Jing flavor" fridge magnets. Within the small space, one can see both elegance and warmth, as well as the emergence of cultural innovation. Although small in size, it resembles a condensed Beijing cultural museum, allowing visitors to wander through the ocean of Jing flavor knowledge.
The organic integration of Zhuanta Hutong and Zhengyang Bookstore is like a dialogue between the ancient charm of Youzhou and the cultural heritage of Yanjing. Observing the brick pagoda allows one to touch the texture of the capital city, while visiting the bookstore enables one to appreciate the true essence of culture. The ancient books and artifacts waiting for destined individuals, or the conversations with enthusiastic store staff, all bring unexpected joys of cultural exploration.
