Live Your Best Lives
Nanluoguxiang was once extravagant, with four generations of nobles enjoying the luxury of luxury.
Song and dance arose in the royal palaces, while high-ranking officials and dignitaries flagged down wine.
Idle tourists emerged from the art gallery in the morning, while large bowls of tea were shared under the moonlight.
Searching for stories along the old streets, you can still hear the pipa music playing today.
This short poem truly captures the essence of Nanluoguxiang in old Beijing.
Since the Yuan Dynasty capital 700 years ago, this area has been home to many royalty, nobles, and dignitaries. Nanluoguxiang was arguably a wealthy neighborhood and a gathering place for literati and poets.
When I first arrived in Beijing, I told my friends there that I didn't want to visit the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace anymore. This time, I wanted to experience old Beijing and savor its flavor. My friend immediately suggested going to the hutongs, especially Nanluoguxiang, which is incredibly popular right now.
The next day, after finishing work and having some free time in the afternoon, I thought of Nanluoguxiang. Why not take advantage of this free time and explore Nanluoguxiang?
I took the No. 6 subway and arrived at the station, right on Nanluoguxiang. From a distance, I could see the tall memorial archway of Nanluoguxiang. It was brand new, so it couldn't be hundreds of years old.
Arriving in Nanluoguxiang, the first thing I noticed was how crowded it was. So many people! They were all people, and they were mostly young and fashionable.
Why was this place so crowded? I quickly followed the crowd into the alley, looking for answers to why there were so many people.
Nanluoguxiang, to put it bluntly, could be called Nanluogouxiang, because the alley is low at the north and south ends and high in the middle, like a hunchback. Some say a famous hunchback once lived here, but whether it was Liu Luogou or Liu Yong remains unknown.
Nanluoguxiang is also called Centipede Alley. This is because Nanluoguxiang is not a simple alley, but a cluster of countless alleys. The entire layout is like a centipede, with one Nanluoguxiang alley connecting sixteen other alleys, like a string of coins. In Beijing, centipedes are also called "coin strings." Haha, that's how it's called in my hometown in the north. Then I'll take a good look around this money chain and get some good fortune, haha. It seems so many people come here just to get some good fortune! Haha. Walking through the alley, I see a large mansion up ahead, a veritable grand gate. Approaching, I see it's the Iron Hat Prince's palace. No wonder, no wonder. Who else could occupy such a large area in this bustling city and build such a sprawling palace? This Senggelinqin was truly remarkable! The pride of the Mongolian people, a seasoned warrior with exceptional martial prowess. He suppressed the Taiping Rebellion and fought against the Eight-Nation Alliance. He rose through the ranks, becoming a king and a marquis, reaching the pinnacle of his life. He built a vast fortune, to benefit his descendants. He was a role model and a model for life at the time.
Nanluoguxiang is home to many figures like the Sengwang. It's truly a blessed place of feng shui, blessed with talented people. The Central Academy of Drama is also located here, and many celebrities have emerged from here, such as Chen Baoguo and Zhang Ziyi.
Nanluoguxiang was named one of the 25 most exciting places in Asia by Time, one of the world's most discerning American magazines. This demonstrates that Nanluoguxiang truly has its own unique charm.
After walking along Nanluoguxiang for a while, I suddenly looked up and saw the familiar white walls, black tiles, and overhanging walls. Huh? Isn't this typical Jiangnan style? How did I get here? I turned the corner and saw it was you, Juer Hutong. No wonder, no wonder.
So this is the Juer Hutong dilapidated housing renovation project, designed by the renowned architect Wu Liangyong.
Restoring the old while preserving its original beauty, while innovating within the old.
This small alley within the ancient lane retains the charm of the old Beijing courtyard houses while incorporating elements of Jiangnan dwellings, making it very suitable for modern living. I heard it's won the "Asian Architecture Gold Award" and the "World Habitat Award." When it comes to experiencing the flavor of old Beijing, simply exploring the hutongs isn't enough. Without those unique little gadgets and food, it feels like the soul is gone. My memories of old Beijing are replete with these few things: rabbit figurines, candied haws, and old cloth shoes.
There's a song called "Tanghulu" that instantly evokes the flavor of old Beijing. I still remember it vividly.
They say bingtanghulu is sour, but within that sourness lies a sweetness.
They say bingtanghulu is sweet, but within that sweetness lies a hint of sourness.
…
Just thinking about this bingtanghulu makes my mouth water.
Not far down the alley, there was a long line of people. I looked up and saw a sign that read "XX Little Tanghulu." I immediately joined the queue and bought two strings of candied haws to try, enjoy the scenery, and satisfy my craving. After buying my favorite candied haws, I picked one up and took a bite. It was sour, sweet, crisp, and refreshing, and it didn't stick to my teeth. It was delicious, really delicious, and a real treat!
The alley is lined with shops, many of which are trendy.
A snack shop is filled with memories. The window displays are filled with childhood memories, including flashlights, sewing machines, mobile phones, 14-inch CRT TVs, and the game Contra controller.
Nanluoguxiang is a vibrant place, bustling with life, offering countless pubs, bars, and restaurants.
It's a place steeped in the heart of the city, a truly down-to-earth experience. Deep in the alleys, in small courtyard restaurants, it's worth ordering a cup of Blue Mountain coffee. Sit quietly there, and you'll seem to forget the world, conversing with yourself, undisturbed.
Nanluoguxiang is a place of seclusion, nestled in the heart of the world yet tranquil. You can find peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, cultivating Zen enlightenment and spiritual enlightenment here. This is a place for self-growth and self-improvement.
As the saying goes, "great hermits hide in the city," and this is exactly what it means.
No wonder, no wonder, no wonder. Princes, ministers, prominent families, and cultural figures all flocked to live here, making Nanluoguxiang a truly extraordinary place.
Nanluoguxiang is more than just a tourist destination.
Old Beijing reminds me of Mr. Luo Yusheng's "Rebuilding the Countryside to Wait for the Young," a scene rich in Beijingese vernacular that makes your blood boil.
This is Beijing, this is China. This is the flavor of Beijing, the flavor of China.
A thousand miles of sword light and shadow, hatred burning nine cities. No one returns home on the night of the full moon, and there is no peace in the land of fragrant flowers.
A heart of silent blood, a thousand strands of motherly love. To redeem the national humiliation, I will die first, and rebuild the country for the next generation!
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