Glimpse into a place of peace. We are standing in Hepingli Subdistrict. This residential area in Beijing carries a unique story. It is a story tied to international relations and the pursuit of harmony. Hepingli is a subdistrict within Dongcheng District. It sits in the northeastern part of Beijing. The area lies between the northern 2nd and 3rd Ring Roads. Andingmen Waidajie borders it to the west. Hepingli Dongjie defines its eastern edge.
Hepingli’s name is quite meaningful. It translates to “a place of peace”. The name originated in 1952. This was during the Asia and Pacific Rim Peace Conference held in Beijing. The conference aimed to foster collaboration. It also promoted peace in the region.
Imagine this area in the 1950s and 1960s. Most of the apartment buildings in Hepingli were constructed during that time. These buildings housed many residents. They contributed to the community’s growth. Fast forward to the early 2000s. Hepingli received a fresh coat of paint. Most buildings were repainted. This facelift revitalized the neighborhood.
Hepingli has seen administrative changes over the years. In 1912, it was part of North Suburban District. By 1949, it became part of Dongcheng District. Two street governments formed then. They were named Andingmenwai Dajie Yijie and Andingmenwai Dajie Erjie. These eventually merged in 1952. They created Andingmenwai Dajie Street Government. In 1953, the Street Government became a Street Office. A redrawing in 1955 created two subdistricts. These were Anwai Zhazipo and Hepingli. They merged into Hepingli Subdistrict in 1958. For a brief period in 1960, it was changed to a commune. Then in 1990, it reverted to a subdistrict.
Today, Hepingli comprises 20 communities. Each community contributes to the area’s unique character.
Getting around Hepingli is convenient. Lines 5 and 13 of the Beijing Subway serve the area. Line 5 runs north to south. It stops at Heping West Bridge and Hepingli Beijie. Line 13 stops near eastern Hepingli at Liufang. Numerous city bus routes also run through Hepingli. These include routes 13, 18, 62, 75, and more. The Heping West and East Bridges get their names from Hepingli. These bridges are located on the 3rd Ring Road. The Jingcheng Expressway connects to Hepingli at Taiyanggong Bridge. This provides an expressway link.
Hepingli’s history and convenient location make it a vibrant part of Beijing. It is a testament to the city’s growth and its commitment to peace. Take a moment to appreciate Hepingli. It is more than just a residential area. It is a place with a story to tell.