Cultural Heritage Unlocked
Former Fu’s Hostel in West Damochang Street 西打磨廠街原福氏旅館, Dongcheng District 東城區, Beijing 北京, China, Late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) & early Republic of China (1912-1949) 清末民初
In 1756, the establishment of theatres and hotels in the Inner City 內城 of Beijing was prohibited by Emperor Qianlong 乾隆 (1711-1799). The capital city’s hospitality industry moved to the Outer City 外城 and gathered in front of the Inner City gates - especially the Gate of Righteous Yang 正陽門, since it was the central city entrance leading to the Forbidden City 紫禁城 and imperial ministries.
In 1906, the former Beijing railway terminal station was built right beside the Gate of Righteous Yang, which once again boosted hospitality industry in its near-city-gate area as it became the central destination of national-wide transportation and freight. Therefore, the historical blocks here – such as Dashilar 大柵欄 and the streets of Damochang – were exceptionally rich in historical restaurants, hotels, brothels and luxurious shops selling rare goods from all over the empire.
In addition, thanks to the spirit of cultural exchange brought in by international trade, these narrow streets also became a showcase where new exotic fashions would be debuted. This little hostel tower was one of those once fashionable early ‘Western Overseas 西洋’ style urban buildings appeared near Beijing’s Gate of Righteous Yang. The adoption of concrete pseudo-pilasters as well as Western Ionic column-top orders on the surface of local grey-brick walls formed a unique sense of inculturation. Such new style was the herald of much more drastic social and aesthetic revolutions that took place in China later. Unfortunately, this building was demolished around 2005 during the construction of a new motorway.
This photo was taken in 2004.
Former Fu’s Hostel in West Damochang Street 西打磨廠街原福氏旅館, Dongcheng District 東城區, Beijing 北京, China, Late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) & early Republic of China (1912-1949) 清末民初
In 1756, the establishment of theatres and hotels in the Inner City 內城 of Beijing was prohibited by Emperor Qianlong 乾隆 (1711-1799). The capital city’s hospitality industry moved to the Outer City 外城 and gathered in front of the Inner City gates - especially the Gate of Righteous Yang 正陽門, since it was the central city entrance leading to the Forbidden City 紫禁城 and imperial ministries.
In 1906, the former Beijing railway terminal station was built right beside the Gate of Righteous Yang, which once again boosted hospitality industry in its near-city-gate area as it became the central destination of national-wide transportation and freight. Therefore, the historical blocks here – such as Dashilar 大柵欄 and the streets of Damochang – were exceptionally rich in historical restaurants, hotels, brothels and luxurious shops selling rare goods from all over the empire.
In addition, thanks to the spirit of cultural exchange brought in by international trade, these narrow streets also became a showcase where new exotic fashions would be debuted. This little hostel tower was one of those once fashionable early ‘Western Overseas 西洋’ style urban buildings appeared near Beijing’s Gate of Righteous Yang. The adoption of concrete pseudo-pilasters as well as Western Ionic column-top orders on the surface of local grey-brick walls formed a unique sense of inculturation. Such new style was the herald of much more drastic social and aesthetic revolutions that took place in China later. Unfortunately, this building was demolished around 2005 during the construction of a new motorway.
This photo was taken in 2004.