Guozijian Street, Historical street in Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Guozijian Street is a thoroughfare in eastern Beijing that runs roughly 670 meters from Yonghe Lamasery Street to Andingmen Inner Street. It is lined with traditional grey walls and red gates that shape its historic character.
The street was founded in 1306 when the Imperial College was built here to support the training of officials. Its name was changed from Chengxian Street to Guozijian Street in 1965 to reflect this connection to the important educational institution.
This street is home to two major centers of learning in ancient Chinese civilization, where officials would walk rather than ride to show respect for education. The street itself embodies how Chinese society valued knowledge and scholarship above many other pursuits.
You can reach the street by taking subway line 2 or 5 and exiting at Yonghe Temple station, then walking south into the neighborhood. The area is easy to explore on foot if you simply follow the street path.
The street holds the last remaining traditional stone arches in Beijing, structures that frame and define the space. Ancient locust trees shade the black brick pathways, creating an atmosphere rarely found in the modern city.
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