Lianziku (The Curtain Storehouse) Hutong

Lianziku (The Curtain Storehouse) Hutong 

Many are puzzled when first hearing the name 'Curtain Storehouse Hutong' and wonder whether it was built only for the purpose of storing curtains! However, it takes its name from an old custom ofEmpress Cixi. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), when summer came, every room in the Palace was hung with bamboo curtains to prevent sunstroke and flies. During Cixi's rule, she thirsted for attending state affairs but at that time it was improper for a woman to sit in the golden throne. Cixi decided to hold court from behind a curtain on the grounds that Emperor Tong Zhi was too young to handle state affairs. The curtains she used were kept in a special place when they were worn out instead of being sold to the ordinary people. Therefore, this is the place where these curtains were stored is called Lianziku (The Curtain Storehouse) Hutong.