Did you know that the Zhuanta Hutong is considered the root of Beijing’s hutongs? This area isn’t just any old lane. The Zhuanta Hutong is a living piece of Beijing’s history. We are standing before the Zhuanta Hutong where echoes of dynasties resonate.
Let’s dive into the story of this Hutong. Zhuanta Hutong is located in Jinrongjie Sub-district in Xicheng District. It stretches 805 meters westward from Xisi South Street to Taipingqiao Street. This makes it one of Beijing’s oldest hutongs. Functions shifted over time.
Once a hub for traditional opera in the Yuan Dynasty. Later it became a military zone during the Qing Dynasty. More recently, it has become a residential area. Warfare and changing lifestyles took their toll. Only the 312-meter eastern section remains well-preserved.
Historical records confirm its significance. While 29 hutongs appeared in Dadu during the Yuan Dynasty. The Zhuanta Hutong is the sole one documented across the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. This is why it is considered the root of Beijing hutongs.
The Pagoda of Monk Wansong anchors this hutong. This octagonal brick pagoda stands 16 meters tall. It’s Beijing’s only existing ancient brick pagoda. It honors Cai Xingxiu. He was a scholar known as Monk Wansong. He excelled at Zen Buddhism.
There are stories connected to this pagoda. After the Yuan Dynasty made Beijing its capital. Emperor Shizu and Yelü Chucai studied with Monk Wansong for three years. The monk taught them to govern with Confucianism and cultivate the mind with Buddhism. Yelü Chucai remembered these lessons. He greatly contributed to society. When ministers suggested extreme measures. He opposed pacifying the state through killings. Instead, he proposed increasing treasury revenues through taxation. This saved millions from brutality.
Today a bookstore is located inside the Pagoda. It is open to the public. People can find relevant books and historical documents here. The pagoda still retains its overall framework. It is a landmark in Zhuanta Hutong.
The Yuan Dynasty thrived on traditional operas. Beijing served as the heart of theatrical arts then. Zhuanta Hutong became a bustling hub. It fostered the unique “Goulan Culture”. Goulan refers to theaters of that time. It marks the peak of Yuan Dynasty dramas.
Many renowned writers resided here in the 19th century. After breaking up with his brother. Lu Xun lived at No 61 Compound now No 84 of Zhuanta Hutong for almost 10 months. Zhang Henshui also lived in this lane. Lu Xun’s mother enjoyed Zhang Henshui’s novels.
Today Zhuanta Hutong features interconnected compounds and ancient trees. It has become an ordinary hutong. Zhengyang Bookstore near the Pagoda of Monk Wansong safeguards the root of Beijing hutongs with reading.
Wandering through the Hutong today, one can still see and feel how history and modernity merge into a unique cultural experience.