Qianmen Street: the entrance gate

Qianmen Street: the Arrow Tower next to the street

Qianmen Street: a century-old photo studio

Qianmen Street: vendors used to shake rattle-drums to attract customers

Qianmen Street: keeping birds used to be a popular pastime for Beijingers

Qianmen Street: everyday the street is packed with visitors from around the world

Qianmen Street: this century-old restaurant serves the best Peking Duck China has to offer

Qianmen Street: the resturant is already 150 years old

Qianmen Street: gate pier found in old Beijing houses

Qianmen Street: here avant-garde shops stand next to some of the oldest stores in Beijing

Qianmen Street: the street went through a renovation lately

The old, famous Qianmen Street reopened on Aug. 7, just one day before the opening of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. I paid a visit there, and I'd like to share with you the feelings.

Pedestrian street

The Qianmen shopping street has turned into a pedestrian street, more secure and convenient for visitors to shop. At any time, you can see a great many people there, but the noises of vehicles have gone.

Unified traditional style

The street still retains its traditional architecture style, except even better than before. Paved with gray bricks and stones in different sizes, the street looks wider and straighter. The shops on both sides have the same style: gray-brick walls, wooden pillars and window frames, and eaves covered with green glazed tiles.

Attention to details

The reopened old street attaches great importance on details. Decorated with birdcages and rattle-drums, the street lamps show strong Chinese characteristics. The big stone flower pots are carved with dragons. Even the trash cans are made of stone, and elaborately sculptured as well.

Old shops remain

Although many shops are still empty, some old ones are enough to catch your eye. Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, Zhang Yiyuan Tea Shop, China Book Store, Dabei Photo Studio surely will draw your attention.

Here are some photos I took for you to enjoy.