Liulichang

Liulichang is a famous cultural street in Beijing; it is originated from the Qing Dynasty and located outside the peace gate which is near Tiananmen Square. At that time,the candidates for imperial examinations used to gather here, because there were many shops selling paper, books, and inkstones along the Liulichang. It has the strong cultural environment. There were many shops here selling the calligraphy and painting works here. Majority of foreign travelers prefer to visit here when they stay in Beijing. It is 800 meters long from the Nanbeiliuxiang of Xuanwu District in Beijing to Yanshousi Street Xuanwu District in Beijing.

In fact, in Liao Dynasty, it was not located in the downtown but the suburb. Afterwards, some official kilns were erected here in Yuan Dynasty for colored-glaze tiles. During the Ming Dynasty, the official kilns were enlarged for restoring the palaces and establishing the inner city. In the later period of Ming Dynasty, it became one part of downtown of Beijing, and then kilns could not remain any more, but the name was kept up to today.

During the early period of Qing Dynasty, the policy of segregation between Man and Han was implemented by government.