Located in Beijing's Dongcheng District, Wangfujing Street is a pedestrian-only commercial avenue with nearly 700 years of history.

Wangfujing Street is east of the Forbidden City, with a past going back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Centuries ago, it was only known as Wangfu Street, or "Mansions of Princes Street," because of the residences of 10 princes and three princesses located here. But after a well of particularly sweet water was discovered during the subsequent Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was renamed "Wangfu" (mansions of princes) "Jing" (well).

Wangfujing's commerciality emerged in the Ming Dynasty. Then in the Qing Dynasty, banks and shops geared toward foreigners began to appear on the street. (This was concurrent to the construction of an embassy zone in nearby Dongjiaominxiang Alley.) Since the early 20th century, businesses have bloomed, making it one of the capital's four major commercial districts.

Renovations in 1999 and 2000 made Wangfujing for pedestrians only; it is dotted with squares, lawns, flower beds, fountains, sculptures and benches. The pleasant environment has increased the street's popularity, and it bustles with people. Many tourists can be found snapping photographs of the street and its relics reflecting life in Old Beijing, alongside a newly refurbished Catholic church.

The new blends with the old here. While some people chase the latest fashions found in Wangfujing's malls, others pursue vanishing signs of history. New Dong'an Plaza, Beijing Department Store, Beijing Arts and Crafts Store, New China Children's Store, and the Malls at Oriental Plaza make the area a modern shopping district. Older shops like Tongshenghe Shoe Store, Shengxifu Hat Store, Ruifuxiang Silk Shop, Wuyutai Tea House, and China Photo Studio, where the first leaders of the People's Republic of China had their formal photographs taken, stand preserved, tinged with nostalgia.

Wangfujing also offers a one-stop dining experience for people wanting to try some of China's more exotic culinary offerings. Its "Snack Street" is home to over 100 restaurants and snack stalls, serving a wide variety of treats. The venues are built in styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties, boasting all kinds of Chinese snacks, including Guoqiao Rice Noodles, Goubuli Steamed Stuffed Buns and sugar-coated haws. A number of stalls selling folk arts and crafts have also set up shop on the street, and artisans demonstrate their unique skills live for the crowds passing by.

Wangfujing is also a place for theater lovers. The Beijing People's Art Theater, in the street's north end, stages excellent modern dramas performed in typical Beijing dialect. The repertoire's thematic diversity, superb stagecraft and artistic style are impressive for audiences. Founded in 1952, the theater has put on nearly 300 plays both Chinese and foreign. The Mini Theater and the Experimental Theater, also on Wangfujing, are venues for mid- and small-scale modern dramas, and are very popular among young audiences.

Hutong Tips

How to get there

> By subway: Take Subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station.

> By bus: Take bus10, 20, 37, 41, 59, 120, 126, 420 and get off at Wangfujing Station.

What to see

> St. Joseph's Cathedral Also known as Dong Tang or East Church, this attractive triple-domed church is a bit of Baroque architecture in Beijing. First constructed in 1655, it was rebuilt on a number of occasions, following earthquakes, fire, and destruction wrought during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. After a major renovation in 2000, it is now fronted by a gateway and piazza, and is beautifully lit at night.

Address: No.74 Wangfujing Street