A leisurely stroll down Chengxian Street offers visitors a chance to immerse in the rich cultural heritage of Beijing. The street itself is adorned with four archways, one at each end and two flanking the Imperial College, all inscribed with ‘Imperial College’. On the north side of the road, stone tablets inscribed with ‘Civil and Military Officials Dismount Here’ in both Manchu and Han scripts mark the path, indicating the reverence held for the area.
The Imperial College, originally established in the Yuan Dynasty, stands as a testament to the highest educational institution for three dynasties—Yuan, Ming, and Qing. It now houses the Capital Library and is known for its towering cypress trees, which create an atmosphere of solemn tranquility. Every emperor of the Qing Dynasty would give a lecture here upon ascending the throne, and it was also a place to receive foreign students, making it a gathering spot for talents from both within and outside the country.
Adjacent to the Imperial College is the Confucius Temple, a grand structure honoring the ancient Chinese philosopher, educator, and ‘sage’, Confucius. The temple is adorned with red walls and yellow tiles, its splendor dazzling to behold. Inside the ‘Gate of the Teacher’, rows of tall stone tablets on both sides display the famed inscriptions of the Jinshi, or successful candidates of the imperial examinations, from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Today, it serves as a site for the Capital Museum.
To the east of Chengxian Street, on the main road, lies the Lama Temple, one of Beijing’s larger Buddhist architectural complexes. This temple adds to the cultural and spiritual significance of the area, making Chengxian Street a must-visit destination for those interested in the historical and educational legacy of China.The architectural arts of the Han, Manchu, Tibetan, and other ethnic groups are uniquely blended here, creating a majestic and magnificent ensemble of ancient buildings. Regarding the opening hours and the specific business status, they are subject to the operations of the day.
