Xijiaomin Xiang

Xijiaomin Xiang is a traditional hutong alley in central Beijing extending about one kilometer and containing numerous heritage buildings, traditional courtyard residences, and former bank headquarters. The alley displays Beijing's architectural evolution across several periods.

During the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644, this alley was part of Jiaomi Xiang and connected the western area with the eastern section near the Forbidden City. In the early 1900s, the area transformed into a financial center with numerous banking institutions.

This alley served as Beijing's financial center in the early 1900s, housing major banks and trading companies that shaped the city's commercial life. The buildings today still tell the story of this period as a place of business and exchange.

The alley lies west of Tiananmen Square, extending from Zhengyang Gate to North Xinhua Street with good public transportation access. Visiting during quieter times of day allows you to better appreciate the details of the buildings and streets.

The Continental Bank building at the eastern entrance shows Western classical architecture designed by a Chinese architect. This structure demonstrates how local architects interpreted Western styles through their own perspective.