“Ever wonder how a road gets its name?” That’s the question I want you to consider as we explore \u5317\u82d1\u8def. This road in Beijing offers more than just a route. It carries echoes of old traditions and practical solutions.
\u5317\u82d1\u8def’s story begins with sheep. Yes sheep. In the Yuan Dynasty, the area near Anzhen Gate was a hub. People brought sheep from beyond the Shanhaiguan to sell. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, sheep sellers from Zhangjiakou also came to the Anzhen Gate. Some sellers set up temporary homes north of Anzhen Gate. They slaughtered and sold the sheep. Others processed the meat and sold it at the market outside Anzhen Gate. These small workshops became known as “sheep houses” or “sheep shops.” Over time, the name evolved into “yàngfang” or “yàngfangdian.” These shops grew into a market for live sheep and mutton products. This market was known as “Dàyàngfangdian”. Later, a village formed there called “Yàngfang Village”, often called “Dàyàngfang.”
During the Qing Dynasty, an earth road ran from Anzhen Gate through Dàyàngfang to Xiaotangshan. It served as one of the routes for emperors traveling to Chengde. In the 1940s, part of this road was paved with concrete. In the 1950s, it became an asphalt road. Because it was close to the village of \u5317\u82d1, it was named \u5317\u82d1\u8def.
\u5317\u82d1\u8def once ran south. It started at the original site of Anding Gate of Yuan Dadu. Today it winds north to the Lishui Bridge. A branch near the Hui Zhong Road intersection extends south. It connects to Huixin West Street near the North Fourth Ring Road. The original section near Anzhen Gate is now cut off by the North Fourth Ring Road.
To the north of Anzhen Gate, new roads like Anding Road and Anli Road were built. Beijing Subway Line 5 runs along \u5317\u82d1\u8def from Huixin West Bridge to Lishui Bridge. Most of the line is elevated above the road. \u5317\u82d1\u8def serves as a major route. It connects the Tiantongyuan residential area to central Beijing.
There is also an extension that goes from Lishui Bridge. It runs along the south bank of the Qing River. It extends northeast and crosses the Qing River to connect with Lishui Bridge East Road. In 2011, the bridge over the Qing River was completed. It has six lanes. The northern extension was not finished for some time. So, the bridge remained closed to traffic for a while.
From October 1 to October 7, 2016, construction took place. This involved building a box culvert under Subway Line 13. During this period, seven stations on Line 13 were closed for seven days.
So, as we stand here, remember that \u5317\u82d1\u8def is more than just a road. It is a path that connects Beijing to its past. The road’s history is intertwined with sheep markets, imperial routes, and modern transportation. It is a testament to Beijing’s ever-evolving story.