Two statue figures of Qing Dynasty on the Qianmen Street, Beijing. The famale one is supposed to be Dowager Cixi. (Photo: China.org.cn)

 

It's said that Qianmen Street was the path ancient Chinese Emperors took to visit the Temple of Heaven for annual ceremonies of prayers to Heaven for a good harvest, so the street is also known as the "Street of Heaven." As such, during the renovation, a special stone path for Chinese emperors, like today's red carpet for Heads of State, was recreated in the middle of the street.

Having just opened, the street is neat and clean and many shops are still empty and waiting for business entrepreneurs. Some 200 meters south, visitors can see an iron name plate crossing a narrow alley on the right side, reading澶ф爡鏍?/span>. In pinyin this becomes Da Zha Lan while local Beijingers pronounce it as Dashilanr.

This street is busier, as more shops are open, including the Rui Fu Xiang (鐟炶毃绁?/span>) silk shop and Nei Lian Sheng (鍐呰仈鍗?/span>) shoe shop, both well-known for good quality. The Lao She Tea House is easy to find. It is a famous venue for overseas tourists to see wonderful performances of Peking Opera, while enjoying tea and palace snacks as well as traditional local food.