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Dongjiaomin Lane (Former Legation Quarter)
Dongjiaomin Lane, known originally as Dongjiangmi (East
Glutinous Rice) Lane, was later called Legation Street. In 1416,
Emperor Yongle decreed that this district should be set aside for
raising animals and growing crops. Later a number of government
offices and princes’ mansions were built here. When the
Eight – Power Allied Forces occupied Beijing in 1900, they took a
fancy to this beautiful district. In concluding the Xinchou Treaty of
1900, they forced the Qing government to turn it into a legation
quarter where each country could station its own troops. Accordingly,
the area became a foreign compound off limits to the Chinese. Its name
was ironically changed from Glutinous Rice Lane to Intercourse with
the People Lane. The British barracks stood at the
northern gate close to Tian’anmen, while American troops guarded the
western entrance by the military supplies depot. Sentries were posted
around to prevent Chinese from “trespassing.” All the walls were
pierced with embrasures large and small for cannons. A large number of
Chinese houses were demolished to create the military parade ground.
Dongjiaomin Lane now houses Chinese government offices and apartment
buildings. At the eastern end is the Xinqiao Hotel and Tongren
Hospital. To the west are Tian’anmen Square and Zhengyangmen Gate.
Strolling along this peaceful street in heart of Beijing, the city
seems very far away. |
