Former French Post office in Beijing, Colonial postal building in Dongcheng District, China

The former French Post Office in Beijing is a grey brick structure from the early 1900s that combines European architectural elements with traditional Chinese design. The building shows how Western construction methods of that era were adapted with local design principles.

The building at No. 19 Dongjiaominxiang was erected in 1910 as the French post office in Beijing, one of the "guest posts" run by foreign powers in China before the national postal service. France, Russia, Japan and Germany all operated such offices in the city, and the French one stood on the north side of the lane in the Legation Quarter.

The building shows how French and Chinese influences came together during the period when European powers maintained diplomatic quarters in Beijing. You can see this blend in the details of the facade and how the spaces are arranged.

The building is located at 19-1 Dongjiaomin Xiang near several other historical sites and is easily accessible by public transportation. The area is straightforward to explore on foot and offers access to other sites from the same era.

The two entrance doors are framed by rusticated pilasters topped with Western entablatures and shield emblems, while three Chinese carved brick panels sit in the frieze between the triangular gables. Inside, only the two eastern bays keep the original brick arches and mosaic floor.