Qianmen Street, Commercial pedestrian street in central Beijing, China
Qianmen Street is a pedestrian zone in central Beijing that runs from Zhengyangmen Tower south of Tiananmen Square through a traditional shopping district. The street stretches about 840 meters and holds a mix of restaurants, shops, and old trading houses that stand close together.
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the street held specialized markets for meat, cloth, and jewelry, along with workshops and theaters that served the capital. This commercial role shaped how the area developed and continues to influence what visitors see today.
Several long-established businesses like Quanjude restaurant, Yitiaolong eatery, and Changchuntang drugstore operate here and represent how commerce has worked in Beijing for many generations. The way locals and visitors use these shops shows what trading practices and daily habits have remained important over time.
The best time to visit is during the day when most shops and restaurants are open between 09:00 and 23:00. The street tends to be less crowded during morning and afternoon hours, especially on weekdays.
Restored tram cars called Dangdang Che operate along the street, following the same routes that existed since 1924. These vehicles offer a rare glimpse of how people traveled in an earlier time.
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