In the green shade, stand four arches. Two of these, one at the western end and the other at the eastern end of the street, bear plaques carved and colored with the Chinese characters Cheng Xian Jie. The two other arches are set on either side of the Imperial Academy’s gate with the three Chinese characters Guo Zi Jian on them. The arches are like barriers. On the outside, there are busy streets with the modern hubbub of noisy traffic and people. However, once you step through the arches, the noise seems to be cut off and all becomes quiet and pleasant.

Some cultural relics remain on Guozijian Street. The most symbolic structures are the Imperial Academy and Temple of Confucius. The Imperial Academy is the only remaining state-run college from China’s distant past. Established in 1306, it was the supreme administrative headquarters of education and the highest seat of learning during the Yuan,Ming and Qing Dynasties (1271 – 1911 AD). The Temple of Confucius is to the west of the Imperial Academy with the Chijing Gate joining the two establishments. People attend the temple to pay homage to Confucius, the great educationalist, ideologist and founder of Confucianism and private schools in China.

Known as Chengxian Street during the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911 AD) it was changed to Guozijian Street in 1965 but continues to retain the old  alley’s features. On both sides of the street, most of the structures are low and neatcourtyards with grey walls and tiles. The gates that are painted red together with black bricks, bird cages hanging in the trees and the courtyards, are typical of old Beijing. Locust trees grow along the roadside shading the street. Most of the residents are native to the city. By observing their lifestyle, visitors can see just what it is like to reside in the hutongs.

Guozijian Street is to the west of Yonghe Lamasery in the Dongcheng District of Beijing. It is a west-east Hutongwith its east end joining Yonghe Lamasery Street while the west end adjoins Andingmen Inner Street. The street is 2,195 feet (669 meters) in length and 36 feet (11 meters) in width. It is the only old street in the city that still has traditional arches. Guozijian Street is renowned for its old-time Beijing layout and architectures, the authentic native lifestyle, the Temple of Confucius and the Imperial Academy (Guozijian).