“Returning Dragon View.” That’s what Huilongguan means. It hints at the area’s imperial past. Today we are standing near the Huilongguan depot. But let’s step back in time to understand how this place got its name.
During the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Hongzhi decided to build a Taoist temple here. Construction on Xuanfu Palace started in 1504. It finished 12 years later.
After completion, Ming emperors often used the temple. It became a stopping point between the Forbidden City and the Ming tombs. The tombs were located at Tianshou Mountain. This is one theory about the name. Because emperors were called dragons this temple became known as Huilongguan meaning Returning Dragon View. Another theory says the name comes from a nearby temple also called Huilong. Xuanfu Palace was visible from that temple.
Today Huilongguan is a large residential area. It is located in the Changping District. It lies 33 km north of Beijing. What was once a satellite town has become part of Beijing. It sits inside the 6th Ring Road.
Huilongguan is accessible by subway lines 8 and 13. Several public buses also serve the area. They connect apartment complexes to subway stations. Others run from the suburb into the city. The Huilongguan depot supports this extensive network. It ensures the smooth operation of the subway lines.
In recent years, Huilongguan has become a popular place to live. Real estate prices have risen significantly. Many IT companies are located nearby. More bike paths are planned to connect Huilongguan with Zhongguancun. This makes it attractive for people working in those industries.
While it might not have many craft beer bars, Huilongguan offers many conveniences. The Xindi Market sells almost anything. Huilongguan Dong Dajie is the neighborhood’s main street. It features a hypermarket, KTVs and other services.
Huilongguan offers a blend of history and modern life. From imperial resting place to a bustling suburb. It continues to evolve while keeping its unique name. A name that reminds us of emperors and returning dragons.