Cheng Xian (meaning “becoming a virtuous man”) Street, also called Guozijian Street, has a history of over 700 years. Entrance to the street is located on the east side of Bei Xinqiao Street, opposite to Lama Temple. Guozijian, now NO.15 on Cheng Xian Street, used to be the highest educational institution in Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasty.
Near the entrance of the street are jammed with “giving names” shops, in which the fortune tellers claim they can change your fate by giving you a new, more fortunate name. They also give names to businesses such as real estate. I guess the developers must be visiting them frequently these days due to the increasing decline of the housing market.
The entrance to Songtang Museum, the first private museum showcasing traditional residential architecture in Beijing. I’ll talk more about the museum tomorrow.
People playing chess outside of the museum.
One of the Dismount Stones outside of the Confucius Temple. Built in Qing Dynasty, this was where everyone came to worship Confucius got off their horses to show respect.
Beijing Guozijian Elementary School, one of the finest basic education institutions in Beijing.
Walking outside of the street, I was attracted to a very interesting gift shop selling pottery dolls mocking a very common scene during the Cultural Revolution, where innocent intellectuals were being charged with various accuses including treason.
Hey! Say hello to Chairman Mao!
More pictures coming tomorrow.
