Memories might be eroded by the time yet history, which is buried deep in the soil, remains the same while the time changes. Wandering in the Dongjiaominxiang Alley, you can discover history in each piece of brick and tile.
Dongjiaominxiang Alley reaches Tian’anmen Square to the west and Chongwenmen to the east; it is one of the most famous Hutongs in Beijing and was known as the Legation Quarter. It is such a normal district featured with traditional Beijing life style, yet also a special one as a witness to the modern history of China.
Capital Hotel locates in Dongjiaominxiang Alley, where situates the former German embassy. Gone is the old architecture, now remaining the imprint of history. In a rainy day, you can take a stroll heading out from the north gate into the alley and touch the trace of history by yourself. The ancient stone way is now replaced by the asphalt road and the small saplings have now grown into big trees standing straight and topped with leaves. Some of the former embassy buildings are narrating the change of history despite their old faces. Heading towards east, you will encounter the St. Michael’s Church, whose gothic architecture and high trees pointing into the sky will bring your mind afar into the air. Chances are that you will also hear newly wedded couples making promises to each other and see students with easels on their back drawing the beauty with their pens.
Time constantly changes everything, but there will always be traces left for us to follow up. Here in Dongjiaominxiang alley, historical tracks are left for you to find and the modern features are along the way for you to discover.
