This street is in Qianman, south of Tian'anmen Square.

Xinhua news:
New pedestrian street featuring life of old Beijing takes shape (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-04/26/content_6030485.htm)

Good news! That's not TOO far from Wangfujing, but that district needs a good redevelopment :)

New commercial district should be cultivated cannily~
And i think Bejing should follow a few successful experience from HK on operation of pedestrian stree.
Good luck ,Beijing
i hope i can visit it on 2008~~

Anyone got any links to the masterplan for this area. I went there last summer and there were a lot of older buildings empty and boarded up, no doubt awaiting restoration or demolition. I'd be interested in seeing what this area is meant to look like once completed. Presumably it's scheduled to be completed for the Olympics...

I have photos. The whole street is under wraps and is being torn down. Wait a bit and I'll hope to post those soon.

Oh, thanks, It'll be interesting to see what they've done to it in the 10 months since I visited!

I have photos. The whole street is under wraps and is being torn down. Wait a bit and I'll hope to post those soon.

So I guess they are rushing for the 2008 huh? So are they actually going to rebuilt everything or just remodeling it?

Is that 大栅栏 you guys are talking about?

I guess this will be the most beautiful and greatest pedestrian street all over China.
You doubt?
See that in the next year

Any pics of the plans and/or what it's like now?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_5010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_5009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_5008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_4988.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_4985.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_4983.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_4980.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_4979.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_4977.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/beijing/IMG_4973.jpg

^^ hmm, I like it.

I think that's going to be very nice. I like that.

Interesting. Anyone know which of the buildings shown on the hoardings are refurbishments and which are new builds? From when I saw the street last summer, it appeared that many of the original buildings facing onto the street were gone so I presume most of these will be replicas. I suppose that's ok as long as they are good quality replicas (is a shame many aren't the originals though).

Hey, I came across with this picture. (I just searched for 大栅栏 on google images :) )


http://www.ghj-bjxw.gov.cn/xwfj/displaypic.asp?id=353
http://www.ghj-bjxw.gov.cn/xwfj/displaypic.asp?id=353

Could this possibly be the masterplan for the whole project? So far this project has made a fantastic impression on me!

^^ Wow that is so huge.
It seems they are going to preserve and renovate the whole traditional district of 大栅栏 and 琉璃场, which is probably the last area with a true Beijing favor in the city.
http://www.ghj-bjxw.gov.cn/xwfj/fuwu_view.asp?id=668

Any recent pics of the neighbourhood? Last time I was there was in February and by then it looked the same as in hkskyline's shots.

I was searching for photos of what this area used to look like and I came across this excellent shot of the view looking South from the Qianmen city gate:
http://blogenchine.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/Qianmen%20Dajie.jpg

According to a news article I found on the net, the restoration of the Qianmen area is being based on photographs from the 1920s rather than on the street in the 1800s because that is the time from which they have most information.

Here's a picture of what it's planned to look like (looking North):
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200705/22/images/xin_57050422062435528709.jpg

It'll be interesting to see how it turns out. If the next photo is anything to go by then the quality of the recreated/restored buildings will be brilliant.

http://english.china.com/zh_cn/tourism/news/11020847/20070521/images/14108945_2007052110245516786900.jpg

However, I hope it's not too sanitised and the informal culture of the area isn't lost. The reconstruction of this street is a brilliant opportunity to bring back more of the charm of old Beijing, I hope it turns out well.

One thing that surprises me though is that high quality renders of the area are so difficult to come by on the net. Is there a website about the planning of this area that is only in Chinese?

Is nobody interested in this project?

Is nobody interested in this project?
Yes, of course! It's much more interesting than all skyscrapers together, but I affraid we have to wait until the street is ready :(
I'm hoping strong it will not be the second "Liulichang Culture Street", btw!

i hope they do a similar job as the lijiang restorationg in storing this part of the town.

xi'an is doing the same which called "da tang xi shi"

Yes, of course! It's much more interesting than all skyscrapers together, but I affraid we have to wait until the street is ready :(
I'm hoping strong it will not be the second "Liulichang Culture Street", btw!
I don't know the street you refer to but I can guess what you mean. It's a difficult balancing act restoring the old buildings without making it feel fake, without losing the authentic culture that has been there for so long. I truly hope they are successful, I loved that area of Beijing when I visited last year.

Chinanews.com.cn

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/shfq/news/2008/01-07/U90P4T8D1126174F107DT20080107214312.jpg
北京前门步行街在寒冬中加紧施工。前门大街修缮整治后将恢复清末民初的建筑风貌，成为传统与现代相结合的步行街。

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/shfq/news/2008/01-07/U90P4T8D1126174F116DT20080107214312.jpg
位于前门大街正阳门前的五牌楼已基本完工，亮出真容

When I was in China (July 2007), CCTV said the renovation was to be complete by March 2008, in time for the Olympics. So just 2 more months and we get a nice traditional China area in the middle of what is now a huge modern metropolis!

I cannot wait to see its final look. It is new to many Beijing residents too.

^^ Wow that is so huge.
It seems they are going to preserve and renovate the whole traditional district of 大栅栏 and 琉璃场, which is probably the last area with a true Beijing favor in the city.
http://www.ghj-bjxw.gov.cn/xwfj/fuwu_view.asp?id=668

We should not forget that Dongcheng still has a lot of Hutongs. They are planning to make Dongcheng to Capital Culture District.

http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214231957.shtml

Can someone says what it says?

http://iroje.com/news/55.html

http://iroje.com/news/59.html

^^
It's all in Korean.

by news, project finishes 50%, will be done in May (chinanews.com)

　　2月14日，参照上世纪二三十年代修缮的北京前门大街步行街改造工程完成过半，两侧部分建筑初露“芳容”，透出古色古香韵味。该项改造工程自2007年夏季开工，预计今年5月竣工，目前装修完毕的商户有全聚德、月盛斋、大北照相馆、亿兆商场、中国书店、民生银行等著名老字号。中新社发 邹宪 摄

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/shfq/news/2008/02-14/U86P4T8D1162931F107DT20080214182857.jpg

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/shfq/news/2008/02-14/U86P4T8D1162931F116DT20080214182857.jpg

It is interresting, the street seems to have been delayed a lot. First the wanted to have it finished until the end of 2007. Now it is postponed until May 2008. Maybe there are some difficulties with the project

tram rail are being laid out on the street. Feb 18, really want to go and take it on my next trip to Beijing.

http://www.ynet.com/img.db?27879049+s(400)

本报讯　昨天上午10点，一根根铁轨开始在前门大街焊接铺设，前门当当车修复工程正式启动。消失了近半个世纪的当当有轨电车将有望于4月中旬重新露面，上轨试滑。

　　在前门大街施工现场，上百名工人正忙着把铁轨搬运到位，逐根焊接。现场施工负责人王队长告诉记者，当当车铁轨每根长12米，重至少两吨，都是两天前从天津运来的，昨天开始焊接。“预计3月中旬完工，4月中旬当当车就可以上轨试滑了。”王队长告诉记者，修复后的前门当当车铁轨南起珠市口西大街（即连接两广路），向北一直延伸到前门新建的牌楼下，全长约800米，铺设完成前总共要进行六道工序。

　　据了解，目前当当车的建造方案是按照1924年北京最早引进的法式当当车的样式设计、制造的。这种法式当当车，一头一尾均有驾驶台，司机可以两头开车。修缮完成后，前门大街两侧都将铺设钢轨，游客可免费乘坐当当车。

I look forward to seeing this once its complete. How extensive will the tram system be? Is it just the length of the street or will it connect with other areas?

Trolley bells to sound again on Qianmen Street

from xinhuanet.com
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/24/content_7661404_3.htm

People walk past a poster portraying the panaroma view of the new Qianmen. (Photo source: tom.com)
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/24/xin_0020205242041468115994.jpg

Laborers work at the laying site of trolley bus tracks on the Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 23, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/24/xin_002020524204134356193.jpg

The laborer works at the laying site of trolley bus tracks on the Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 23, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/24/xin_0020205242041218268952.jpg

Laborers work at the laying site of trolley bus tracks on the Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 23, 2008. Qianmen Street, situated close to the Tian'anmen Square and used to be a commercial center for centuries, is currently under restauration. (Xinhua/Li Hui)
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/24/xin_002020524204107802931.jpg

Any news..
I cannot wait...

Trolley bells to sound again on Qianmen Street

from xinhuanet.com
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/24/content_7661404_3.htm

Why China building a trolley bus for? The only reason some cities in western countries even have those junks because of History. :bash:
Mainland Chinese are so cheesy sometime.

because the trolley bus did exist on that street before. It's to add some fun to the new pedestrian street. Please DO NOT pretend to be high class and know everything.

because the trolley bus did exist on that street before. It's to add some fun to the new pedestrian street. Please DO NOT pretend to be high class and know everything.

When did it exist? Show me a link. The only thing I could find was in Shanghai. Stop being a sensitive smart ass (it just a question) and go look at the history before making up stuff.:lol:

^^ Who should go back and look at history book? really tired with some people's ignorance and rudeness :(

Beijng's Qianmen Street: A Revival of Old Dreams

http://www.tour-beijing.com/include/showtravelnews.php?news_id=2125

Beijng's Qianmen Street: A Revival of Old Dreams
Beijing's Qianmen Street, which is currently under redevelopment, will restore its streetscape to that of the early twentieth century, through use of historical photos, becoming the second pedestrian thoroughfare in the Chinese capital, after Wangfujing Street, the downtown shopping district.

China News Service reports that the new Qianmen Street will not be modeled after its state in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), as its designers had anticipated, but into the form of the old Qianmen Street in 1920s-1930s, a time period that left numerous historical photos - by which architects can study in forming the new street.

Wang Shiren, a chief designer of the new Qianmen Street and a renowned architect, said the final plan was achieved through a series of studies, discussions and revisions.

"The Ming and Qing Dynasties' Qianmen Street was burnt down to ashes in 1900 when the Allied Forces of the Eight Powers ransacked Beijing. Physically, there is nothing left for us to retrieve. The final plan is based on historical photos, and we intend to form a new Qianmen Street in the mould of the 1920s to 1930s."

After redevelopment, the new Qianmen Street will stretch from the southern end of Tian'anmen Square to the Zhushikou Street, measuring 845m in length. A trolley car, familiar to Beijing's senior citizens, will return to the street and become the only transportation vehicle on the pedestrian thoroughfare. An underground parking lot will also be built to tackle the problem of parking spaces in the Qianmen area. Time-honored shops in the area, Qianmen Street's business card, will receive the greatest amount of protection.

With its latticework of horizontal alleys, the north-south Qianmen Street prospered as a commercial strip as early as the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368). By the time of Emperor Jiajing, the 12th Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) emperor, the street was dotted with guild halls built by different localities, to provide housing to citizens intending to take the imperial exams.

Qianmen Street became even more prosperous in the early years of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) with the development of activities such as lantern fairs, theaters and teahouses. Places like the Guanghe Theater -- today threatened with demolition -- and the Quanjude roast duck restaurant are part of Beijing's history.

The massive redevelopment of Qianmen Street, which began in late 2002, is part of Beijing's efforts to refurbish old city areas ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.


(CRIENGLISH.com May 21, 2007)

^^ Who should go back and look at history book? really tired with some people's ignorance and rudeness :(

Beijng's Qianmen Street: A Revival of Old Dreams

http://www.tour-beijing.com/include/showtravelnews.php?news_id=2125

interesting project, I hope the result will be nice.

interesting project, I hope the result will be nice.

That is such a good idea, I hope will expand the system so that it can reach most tourist attractions in the inner city.

A must-read....

http://www.rmhb.com.cn/chpic/htdocs/english/200803/4-1.htm

^^ nice article.

2 pictures from beijingupdates.com taken on 3.16

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-3/200831617474181769.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-3/200831617501255665.jpg

is wangfujing the first one?

Yes, Wangfujing is the first one...

This will be the second one...

Just a question, how large is this area that will be restored? Does anyone know?

Why China building a trolley bus for? The only reason some cities in western countries even have those junks because of History. :bash:
Mainland Chinese are so cheesy sometime.

1. that's not a trolly bus, it's called a tram/streetcar.
2. they are now being realized again around the world for their effectiveness and effeciency. and many cities in Asia/Europe and even North America are embracing them as their transit solution
3. they're not Junk, western contries don't have these because of history. they're building these because they work
4. Mainland Chinese are not cheesy.
5. here's the proof that you've asked for... and I can't help but to smile

Tram on ChangAnJie.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2272/67969954dm1.png

The only thing slightly cheesy about it is the decision to go for reproduction instead of modern style tram cars. But I don't see a problem with that, afterall if you're going to restore a historic neighbourhood and put in a new tram, then why not make them match each other.

I think it is a bold and good move. It will give life to the city and compared to the street cars in Bordeaux, this will really suite the historic neighborhood.

http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/antique/s214239393/n214253144.shtml

I cannot wait.....

Qianmen Area will get the longest snackstreet in the world..

http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214256960.shtml

The only thing slightly cheesy about it is the decision to go for reproduction instead of modern style tram cars. But I don't see a problem with that, afterall if you're going to restore a historic neighbourhood and put in a new tram, then why not make them match each other.

i only hope the reproductions are not all jazzed up. hopefully they'll look like real trams instead of a themepark attraction

Material: marble; Weight: 300kg, 800kg/piece

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1000/20080316/001109b42f30094710a827.jpg

Compare:

http://aycu29.webshots.com/image/47748/2001206976210051451_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001206976210051451)

Source: http://www.dfxj.gov.cn/dfxjw/dfxj/node2831/node2868/node2900/userobject1ai38827.html

^^

everyone see the trams???

here's more proof of trams, during the Japanese occupation. Note the tracks on the street

http://www.hbtv.com.cn/zt/lunxian/tuku/images/zuixing/6.jpg

store renovation

http://gb.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2008/03/21/sc080321051.jpg http://gb.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2008/03/21/sc080321052.jpg

I wonder if they will actually finish this on time by August theres only 5 more months to go.

It would embarrising if they would not make it..

Shouldn't this thread have been put in Culture and Heritage?

As you can see, the project have been delayed with almost 6 months......

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-10/05/content_6153290.htm

　2008年4月7日，前门大街改造工程正在紧锣密鼓地进行，两旁的建筑已展露出明清时代的风韵。据悉，改造后的前门大街路面将换铺青白石路面，再现昔日御道风采，留存在老北京人记忆中的有轨电车(铛铛车)、五牌楼等明清风景将重新出现在人们的视野中。今年“五一”前 ，充满“京味儿”的前门步行街将整体亮相迎接八方宾客的到来。

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-08/U43P4T8D1214914F107DT20080408204041.jpg

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-08/U43P4T8D1214934F107DT20080408204041.jpg

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-08/U43P4T8D1214935F107DT20080408204041.jpg

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-08/U43P4T8D1214936F107DT20080408204041.jpg

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-08/U43P4T8D1214937F107DT20080408204041.jpg

I was about to ask when these were taken but then noticed that it says 7th April... they've clearly still got a fair bit of work to do but it looks to be taking shape nicely.

I was about to ask when these were taken but then noticed that it says 7th April... they've clearly still got a fair bit of work to do but it looks to be taking shape nicely.
I heard in the news the other day that the street will be open in mid May.:banana:

I am looking for informations about the development company that realize the street.
I want to open a shop but, even after I spent hours on internet looking for a website, I found nothing. There is not even a lease office on site.

Anybody know who to contact or where to find the lease office ?

^^

You have to got to Beijing to find out who is the real estate agency.

I am looking for informations about the development company that realize the street.
I want to open a shop but, even after I spent hours on internet looking for a website, I found nothing. There is not even a lease office on site.

Anybody know who to contact or where to find the lease office ?

If you need information take contact with these people. They have a lot of knowledge and can probably help you furhter on....

www.bjchp.org

wow, i am in Beijing and read so many passages about Beijing projects...

Exciting to read them... also, i always go to 大栅栏 and 琉璃厂...

Anyone want have a visit around there, i am glad to be your guider...:)

If you need information take contact with these people. They have a lot of knowledge and can probably help you furhter on....

www.bjchp.org
That is a very interesting website, well worth a look.

Will open soon around May 1st.

4月18日，封闭改造近一年的北京前门大街道路铺设已全部完成，初露“芳容”。道路两侧的路灯采取仿古外观，其中部分路灯为鸟笼样式。据了解，前门大街改造工程将于月底完工，“五一”前后开街迎客。中新社发 郑雄增 摄

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-18/U149P4T8D1225416F107DT20080418193557.jpg

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-18/U149P4T8D1225417F107DT20080418193557.jpg

That's interesting, is it now open to the public? Is there anyone who lives in Beijing here? I'd love to see some high resolution photos.

its super fast than last update. The bird cage street light is so funny :)

(beijingupdates.com)

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/2008422923031788.bmp

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/2008422923917022.bmp

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/2008422924933677.bmp

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/2008422925840950.bmp

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/200842293770526.bmp

nice!

wow. super! I love all the details. Very sophisticated!
I can imagine many films will be shot here.

It looks so good....
I cannot wait till I get back to Beijing and look at it...

I notice there are no wires for the trams, how are they going to be powered?

^^

Batteries?

A couple of more pictures

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1000/20080419/0019b91750af0973d1aa12.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1000/20080419/0019b91750af0973d1ae13.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1000/20080419/0019b91750af0973d1b214.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1000/20080419/0019b91750af0973d1bc15.jpg

Source: www.china.com.cn

I'm looking forward to seeing it in May. :)

Two Photos more

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-22/U90P4T8D1228243F107DT20080422160316.jpg

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/tp/news/2008/04-22/U90P4T8D1228244F107DT20080422160316.jpg

Source: www.chinanews.com.cn

it's getting better day by day :cheers:

some photos from xinhuanet.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-04/23/xin_11204052323529372229613.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-04/23/xin_12204052323520931462014.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-04/23/xin_1220405232352234775315.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-04/23/xin_1220405232352375825716.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-04/23/xin_12204052323525151953517.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-04/23/xin_1220405232352656793118.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-04/23/xin_1220405232352812726919.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-04/23/xinsrc_52204052322112031068883.jpg

Edit: 4.23 DangDang tram drives into Qianmen
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1154/bjgj20080423002b092770yi1.jpg

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3145/u43p4t8d1229729f107dt20vn0.jpg

I'm not so sure about the trams...

http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2008/04/19/4086qianmen1.jpg

http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2008/04/19/4086qianmen2.jpg

http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2008/04/19/4086qianmen3.jpg

http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2008/04/19/4086qianmen4.jpg

Source: www.english.cri.cn

http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080424/Img214322619.jpg

http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080424/Img214322620.jpg

http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080424/Img214322621.jpg

Source: www.english.cri.cn

Looks great! But I am wondering, are they only working on one street or is the whole area which we can see on some of the renderings under construction?

http://www.ghj-bjxw.gov.cn/xwfj/displaypic.asp?id=353

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200705/22/images/xin_57050422062435528709.jpg

The whole area is to be restored, but information has mainly been focusing on the Qianmen Street. I have read reports about also Dazhalan will be restored. I do not know if it will done late or unveiled at 1 May. As ever, Information in Beijing is not always the most clear cut one....

They're so fast at finishing up this project I thought they wouldn't make it on time by August.

(beijingupdates.com)

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/200842816392593513.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/200842816401241702.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/200842816411421910.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-4/200842817544720725.jpg

Very impressive pictures but it is hard to image it can open any time soon.

^^ YOU ARE RIGHT. It proved to be a rumor that Qianmen street will open on May 1st :)

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-5/20085119551942123.jpg

Obviously !

It is the 5th today and the street isn't open yet.

What is the meaning of this chinese message ? I have seen that on the wall of the construction site but I cannot read chinese.

Great ! Nice architecture and trams are a good idea.

Project done, waiting for opening (xinhuanet.com)
5.27
http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-05/27/xin_0120505272147093093060.jpg
5.11
http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-05/27/xin_55205052721484531269662.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-05/27/xin_34205052721516561963063.jpg

where is this area? fuxingmen?

^^
Qianmen.

The trams look so fake, like Disneyland. :ohno:

Project done, waiting for opening (xinhuanet.com)
5.27
http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-05/27/xin_0120505272147093093060.jpg
5.11
http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-05/27/xin_55205052721484531269662.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-05/27/xin_34205052721516561963063.jpg


Nice .

Thanks Big dog

I think the tram look like a moving house or moving cupboard or something :/

@YP, they should use wood for the body and add a chimney above :)

Wow, except for the train, its a nice final product, much better than before. Finally a nice traditional chinese zone for the tourists (but of course not as "authentic" as some unrenovated sections) who want to pay tons of money for 北京烤鸭。　Very traditional, I love old Chinese towns and cities (beautiful architecture, especially in pingyao)!

The buildings look good but the trams look so fake, they really spoil the street. They should either have used modern trams that look modern, or should have bought some real old trams and restored them.

I had confirmation yesterday, during a meeting with the developper (it is actually SOHO), that the shops in Qianmen Avenue will open in May 2009.
Then, gradually, the hutong arround will be renovated or rebuilt.
The street might be open to the public before that though.

^^ thank you for the "bad news" :) Beijing really doesn't need to rush everything for Olympics. Quality is more important and Olympic games is only an episode in Beijing's developing process.

http://chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20080702/000802ab4a6309d585810c.jpg
The combo photo shows the ancient Qianmen Street (L) and the renovated Qianmen Street.

http://chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20080703/0013729c049509d68dda15.jpg
The combo photo shows a Diang-diang vehicle (L) and its interior outlook

http://chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20080702/000802ab4a6309d5889014.jpg
The green-white stone-paved path, the bird-cage-like street lamps and the re-erected sculptural archway, all the changes show the Beijing municipal government's great efforts to revivify Chinese traditional culture in people's minds

Any news in regard of this project? Will it be opened before 08.08.?

I got these pics from foglio thread

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-07/19/xin_262070519072662520791.jpg
http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-07/19/xin_262070519072675080332.jpg

7.24 tram trial run
http://img1.cache.netease.com/catchpic/2/25/2559DE80032F5FE0399DF7C883D7EB89.jpg

http://img1.cache.netease.com/catchpic/3/3C/3C2B69E0E91B6670C556C10A42FCD69A.jpg

^^

Cool, when will it be opened to the general public?

^^ I have no idea yet. Here's an interesting picture from Boston.com

http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/oly_07_21/oly24.jpg

^^

Wow, that's really beautiful ... a tad too many flowerpots though. :D

Everytime I look at that tram I cannot help but laugh , it just looks like a moving cupboard.

lol

Since I don't see any electric wires or third rail or anything, I wonder what powers the trams. Anyone know? Yeah, about the flower pots, I don't think it's too much. If there are real plants, then it would give some fresh air to Beijing. :):)

HOw are they going to fill this place up before the Olympics?

^^

With people, China has plenty of them. :D

As a lover of classical Chinese architecture I really can't say that I like this project. The whole thing seems entirely too convenient and fake, theres plenty of real antique buildings in Beijing, we really don't need a street full of fake ones. Plus can you imagine how it's going to feel walking on all that concrete during a Beijing summer? As a landscape architect I can assure you that those potted trees won't, and never will, provide any significant shade.

It's a restoration, chinese way. :lol:
Though I think there shouldn't knock them all down and rebuild, restoration should be based on existing as possible.
well, it's still better than completly replacing them with commieblock, Beijing has plenty of them.

^^its not fake, its a real restoration, but maybe a small percentage of buildings are new construction, but you probably can't tell unless if you look very hard.

^^its not fake, its a real restoration, but maybe a small percentage of buildings are new construction, but you probably can't tell unless if you look very hard.

Some oof the buildings are indeed newly built, because the old building was already gone ages ago. It is a reconstruction based on old photograhies and drawings, just like the reconstruction of the old town of Warshaw or the Römer in Frankfurt.

Some oof the buildings are indeed newly built, because the old building was already gone ages ago. It is a reconstruction based on old photograhies and drawings, just like the reconstruction of the old town of Warshaw or the Römer in Frankfurt.

Question is, do we really need to rebuild the street to look exactly as it did in those photographs when there are plenty of buildings that still exist from that time period. I would much rather they had gone with something that was inspired by the original architecture but doesn't go about recreate the thing in such a heavy handed way. They should brings something new to the street. BTW I dislike the reconstructed oldtowns in Warsaw and Frankfurt as well, seems too much like Disneyland to me. Just my opinion though. :)

I visited Warsaw last year, I like the reconstructed oldtown in Warsaw. The oldtown is the hottest tourist $$$£££ attraction in Warsaw. I think it brings back some of the original aesthetics and history. After the oldtown reconstruction, Warsaw didn't stay as it was in compare to some other european cities. Instead it moved on to new town and architecture. But today average Warsaw resident would tell you they prefer the oldtown over stalinist or socialist design.

Some latest pics from pcpop.com

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/0x0/ae0f4466-61ed-4629-8f0e-7ab51ac109fd.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/0x0/f10958a9-ae00-4653-967c-9d4293b99dcd.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/0x0/049504a9-2410-43e5-a551-60fbf002c034.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/0x0/6d8d361b-78b4-43ca-999b-f3c7397d3d30.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/f18dfcea-a5ef-450f-9992-233aca9ace52.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/1b60d16a-aa14-442a-a4e6-76a2cab32015.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/19def5f4-91b3-419d-9f0e-9d41cffc7964.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/24d4e96f-639a-4a81-a9b2-de8052b1d5f0.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/e6da8239-031c-4436-88cf-78abdd309c3d.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/a2308b73-5f28-4b2b-a596-74887d61d69b.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/db7562ae-e79b-44ad-ac31-217e8e3fe5b6.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/ce6f1b8e-2573-4889-8611-7ea6a998e77c.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/578c064b-2407-424f-a18a-793d5b283eb5.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/0e16f80b-4783-477e-a10d-1bdccf360bb3.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/1e78bad0-d59a-4302-bc4e-08465cc153d8.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/741a76df-4b57-4cf1-a9f9-17ceaa95cf6d.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/319ecdf0-840b-4954-b678-4923fc1a8a07.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/6458715d-95d3-4b88-9cfe-087b6298452b.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/199858a5-25d9-46b2-b6b3-55d3639e053e.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/ce89e181-fe56-481f-90e6-3cc05256fe92.jpg

http://bbsimg.pcpop.com/UpLoadImages/2008/7/21/1x1/c8f06162-e208-4a57-adcb-30dd5a954543.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-7/200872817313372374.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-7/200872817402741621.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-7/20087281745714576.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-7/20087281747211109.jpg

Any news in regard of this project? Will it be opened before 08.08.?

Just read from news that it'll open on Aug 7th but the tram won't be able to open to tourists by then due to technical reasons.

　　“五间、六柱、五楼”式样的前门大街标志性建筑五牌楼，青白石板铺就的步行街，伴随着老北京回忆的“当当车”……经历了1年多时间的保护性修缮后，前门大街这条北京地标性的老街完成了风貌保护一期工程，再现上世纪二三十年代历史风貌，并最终敲定于8月7日正式对中外游客和市民开放。此外，前门大街上的都一处烧麦店、一条龙羊肉馆、月盛斋酱牛羊肉馆等12家老字号也将同时开门营业。不过，由于性能调试尚未完成，前门大街著名的有轨电车“当当车”此次暂时无法对游客开放。

http://news.sina.com.cn/c/p/2008-07-29/132016020934.shtml

That's really good news. I was in Beijing in June and was really disappointed that Qianmen Jie was not opened at that time.

Well, next time I'll be able to see the whole project! :)

I bet most wont even have shops though.

wow, i am sure other cities in china will follow Beijing

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20080729/0013729e4abe09f8bd3410.jpg
photographer captures the illuminated Qianmen Street in Beijing on July 28, 2008. The 570-year-old former commercial street, located south of Tian'anmen Square, has just finished its fifth redevelopment and will be ready for the upcoming Olympic Games

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20080729/0013729e4abe09f8bd310f.jpg
People walk in Qianmen Street in Beijing on July 28, 2008. The rejuvenation project of Qianmen Street, one of the oldest streets in Beijing, has come to an end after about fifteen months

^^

Beautiful! :)

北京大栅栏开街 Beijing Dazhalan opens (Dazhalan pedestrian street is close to Qianmen street, may be part of the Qianmen renovation project)

2008年7月30日，500年历史的北京大栅栏开街。
http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983709.jpg

同仁堂
http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983710.jpg

老字号瑞蚨祥随着大栅栏步行街的开街也重张开业了
http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983711.jpg

http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983712.jpg

2008年7月30日，北京，拥有百余家老字号的大栅栏步行街正式开街
http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983713.jpg

http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983714.jpg

http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983715.jpg

2008年7月30日，在北京奥运会即将召开之际，有着五百多年历史的前门大栅栏商业街经过最大一次规模的改造焕然一新重张开街，迎接八方宾客的到来。北京叫卖大王与身穿靓丽民族服装的模特共贺前门大栅栏开街
http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983716.jpg

北京民间卖大叫王在“马聚源”百年老店前高声吆喝庆贺大栅栏开街
http://img1.qq.com/news/pics/11983/11983717.jpg

Qianmen Street in downtown Beijing to reopen to visitors

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/01/xinsrc_0920805011026421187853.jpg
A waitress introduces food at a restaurant on Qianmen Street in Beijing, China, July 31, 2008. After a massive refurbishment lasting over one year, the Qianmen Street in the heart of the Chinese capital will be opened to visitors on Aug. 7, one day ahead of the opening of the 29th Summer Olympics. The Street lies on Beijing's historic central axis just south of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City. The refurbishment restored the glory of Qianmen as a key commercial and cultural hub of old Beijing.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/01/xinsrc_0920805011026937130794.jpg
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/01/xinsrc_1020805011026296149795.jpg

8.2 Qianmen to Tiantan

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010193.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010194.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010190.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010195.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010174.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010178.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010165.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010166.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010177.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010187.jpg
(beijingupdates.com)

Very interesting and nice for everyone here

Enjoy

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/2008-08/01/content_6897857.htm

Never thought this thread got so much attention :) more pics on Dazhalan (near Qianmen Street, opened Aug 1st)

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010199.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010197.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010198.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010202.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010256.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010206.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010255.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010209.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010210.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010211.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010212.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010215.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010217.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010251.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010220.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010257.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010223.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010225.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010249.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010242.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010238.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r454/velon_2008/P1010241.jpg
(beijingupdates.com)

Renovated Qianmen street opens 8.7 8AM.

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2008-08-07/U1565P1T1D16078577F23DT20080807152750.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2008-08-07/U1565P1T1D16078577F1394DT20080807152750.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-08/07/xin_5420805071608359939228.jpg

Quanjude
http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2008-08/07/xin_5420805071608500274429.jpg

http://news.sina.com.cn/c/p/2008-08-07/110716078577.shtml

Beautiful pictures, thank you Big Dog.

Impressive!

It is open now?

^^

Yes, it's open now, but too crowded for my liking. I hope in September it will be less crowded.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/07/xinsrc_3220805071642859111604.jpg

The stone drum is the bin ?

by clas, beijingupdates.com
http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/200881013563450818.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/2008810140620874.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/20088101431216080.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/20088101451165313.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/200881014144749889.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/200881014231297124.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/200881014255072662.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/200881014293342723.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/200881014312815718.jpg

Have someone seen the street in real life?
Have the surrounding Hutongs been reconstructed?

I just hope all that paving doesn't get plastered with blobs of chewing gum. I really hate that.

They should rough up the new buildings a bit, a chip here, a crack there, make it look older than it is :)

it's so crowded.

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/200881618174957527.jpg

http://www.beijingupdates.com/forum/UploadFile/2008-8/200881618182936804.jpg
(cobble, beijingupdates.com)

It is crowded...

http://www.china.org.cn/china/local/2008-08/18/content_16263775.htm

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/20/xin_2720805201917625189492.jpg
Tourists queue up to have meals in Quanjude roasted duck restaurant on the Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2008.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/20/xin_2720805201917968323454.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/20/xin_2820805201917140271085.jpg

满清遗风

More nice pictures

http://china.org.cn/travel/news/2008-08/07/content_16155354.htm

More nice pictures

http://china.org.cn/travel/news/2008-08/07/content_16155354.htm

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d88f23.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c14.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c15.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c16.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c17.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c18.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c19.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c1a.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c1b.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c1c.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c1d.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84c1e.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84d20.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84d21.jpg

http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080807/001aa0ba6dbd0a04d84d22.jpg

Any news about this project?

What has happened to the rest of Qianmen area?

quoted Foglio's post on 10-21

Beijng's Qianmen Street: A Revival of Old Dreams

120 years ago
http://i36.tinypic.com/s5iywp.jpg

Now
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2961398752_9273da356c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/2961398604_9721fccdbf_o.jpg

Now
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2961399882_9086558a85_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2960558173_ded3e74ba1_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2960559431_c811718b99_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2960559665_4ae3538835_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2961402102_f854b7bd84_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2960558021_ab65cb91a8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2960558775_4c7af6e35c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2960558553_8197698c8f_o.jpg
kuto.cn

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2961432894_be38699aa8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2960557493_2bdb0bc9c4_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2961432888_e11d7ae93b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2961432884_564571e85e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2961432890_a820ce1ab7_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2961432892_410fddac7c_o.jpg
kuto.cn

All stores opened. Finally!

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2009-09-29/U2107P1T1D18746549F21DT20090929041824.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2009-09-29/U2107P1T1D18746549F23DT20090929013409.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2009-09-29/U2107P1T1D18746549F1394DT20090929013409.jpeg

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2009-09-29/U2107P1T1D18746549F1395DT20090929013828.jpg

(http://news.sina.com.cn/c/p/2009-09-29/013418746549.shtml)

Great!!

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/940/2961432884564571e85eo.jpg
what kind of language is this ? it looks like Arabic to me !

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/940/2961432884564571e85eo.jpg
what kind of language is this ? it looks like Arabic to me !

It's Uyghur script. derived from Arabic and Persian script. The old Uyghur script is still used in Inner Mongolia but abandonned by the Uyghurs.

^^
It is arabic language-artistic Persian script which is widely used by Chinese muslims especially Hui muslim, could mean ”Halal""清真“.
The restaurant,"月盛斋“ is typical Hui muslim one.

interesting , a little bit of Arabian influence at the heart of china !
I recognize some of the letters as Arabic , but couldn't read/understand them at all .
anyway ,Thank you guys , that was very informative .


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* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolian_script

^^ What happened to the proposed 2nd Beijing Apple store that was to open on Qianmen St? Apple must have reconsidered after the weak sales at their first Beijing store. :lol:

10.15 Dazhalan West street opens after 7-month renovation

The 600-year old historic street, 323m long 30k sq meters, is renovated to restore the 1920-30's structures

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2009-10-16/U2596P1T1D18843898F21DT20091016114139.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2009-10-16/U2596P1T1D18843898F23DT20091016114139.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2009-10-16/U2596P1T1D18843898F1394DT20091016112252.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/dy/c/p/2009-10-16/U2596P1T1D18843898F1395DT20091016114139.jpg

(http://news.sina.com.cn/c/p/2009-10-16/112218843898.shtml)

I went here once with my friend, we called it Qianmen Premium Outlets.

looks amazgin1

This is nice. China needs to rebuilt these kinda old style streets all over the country.

Could anybody shed any more light on the history of Qianmen Street? For instance, has it always been a community/commercial centre? Thanks a lot.

Is only the main frontage rebuilt or is the whole area rebuilt? Anyone got any pics before the rebuilding? Curious what it looked like.