Beijing | Complete Travel Guide to Da Qianmen, Beijing

|Complete Travel Guide to Da Qianmen, Beijing. ✍🏻Attraction Introduction: "Da Qianmen" is the colloquial name for Zhengyangmen, the southern main gate of Beijing's inner city during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Located at the southernmost end of Tiananmen Square along Beijing's central north-south axis, it was first built in 1419 during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty. Zhengyangmen integrates a gate tower, an archery tower, and a barbican into a complete ancient defensive architectural complex. It holds significant historical importance, having witnessed many major historical events, and remains one of Beijing's key cultural and historical landmarks today. The 845-meter-long century-old commercial street features gray-brick buildings and time-honored brand archways, recreating the bustling market atmosphere of the Ming and Qing eras. **Must-Visit Heritage Brands:** - Quanjude (Peking Duck) - Duyichu (Shaomai dumplings) - Ruifuxiang (Silk fabrics) - Zhangyiyuan (Tea) **Dabei Photo Studio:** A century-old establishment once commissioned for state-level conferences. **Dingding Tram Experience:** A retro tram ride (¥20 ticket), perfect for family outings. **2. Nearby Hutong Culture** - **Dashilan:** A hub of heritage brands like Tongrentang Pharmacy and Neiliansheng cloth shoes. - **Xianyukou Food Street:** Local snacks like Chenji Stewed Offal and Feng’s Tripe. **3. Zhengyangmen (Qianmen Gate Tower)** The southern main gate of Ming-Qing Beijing, featuring preserved gate and archery towers with panoramic views of the central axis. - **Beijing Folk Customs Museum:** Showcases traditional Beijing life. 📍**Address:** South side of Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District, Beijing. 🕐**Opening Hours:** Shops: ~8:00–22:00 (dine at heritage restaurants during off-peak hours). 🎟️**Tickets:** - Qianmen Street: Free. - Zhengyangmen: Combo ticket ¥30. 🚗**Transport:** - Subway: Line 2, Qianmen Station (Exits B/C). - Buses: Routes 5/8/20, etc. - Dingding Tram Line 1 (via Temple of Heaven/Tiananmen): ¥15. 🏕️**Nearby Attractions:** Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park. 🍽️**Local Delicacies:** - **Peking Duck:** Quanjude (classic roast), Bianyifang (stewed). - **Snacks:** Douzhi (fermented bean drink), Zhajiang Noodles (Fangzhuanchang No. 69), Lüdagun (glutinous rice rolls). - **Innovative Flavors:** - Jingyaxuan (Xianyukou): Pioneered "9 Ways to Enjoy Duck" (e.g., duck with blueberry sauce on chips). - Tongyixuan Dalian Huoshao, Menkuang Guotie: Locals’ favorites. 🏘️**Hotels:** - **Short Stays:** Super 8/Ellite (central, walkable). - **Families:** Hutong guesthouses/Jianguo BOCUI (spacious, multi-attraction access). 💗**Tips:** 1. Street snacks (e.g., Moderner ice cream) are pricey—sample sparingly. 2. Book Forbidden City/Great Wall visits in advance (closed Mondays).