Legation Quarter from 1860 to 1959

Legation Quarter from 1860 to 1959
After the Second Opium War in 1860, permanent British, French, American, and Russian legations were established on Dongjiangmi Lane. Other countries followed suit, making this hutong the Legation Street. Since then, this hutong was known as Dongjiaomin Lane. When more and more foreigners had settled, a number of foreign banks, French post office, and western hospitals opened shop, making this place a lot westernized.

Legation Quarter was moved to Sanlitun in 1959. But the buildings in this hutong have attracted numerous visitors.

Former Legation Buildings
The legacy buildings are former legations or headquarters of many western countries and concerns, such as France, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, and Italy, Specie Bank, Citibank, international club, and French barrack. You can see arches and verandas in almost every building. Gates, pilasters, and roof all follow western-style architectural patterns in the early 20th century.