Dongjiaomin Lane, known originally as Dongjiangmi (East Glutinous Rice) Lane, was later called Legation Street. In 1416, Emperor Yongle decreed that this district should be set aside for raising animals and growing crops. Later a number of government offices and princes’ mansions were built here.

When the Eight – Power Allied Forces occupied Beijing in 1900, they took a fancy to this beautiful district. In concluding the Xinchou Treaty of 1900, they forced the Qing government to turn it into a legation quarter where each country could station its own troops. Accordingly, the area became a foreign compound off limits to the Chinese. Its name was ironically changed from Glutinous Rice Lane to Intercourse with the People Lane.

The British barracks stood at the northern gate close to Tian’anmen, while American troops guarded the western entrance by the military supplies depot. Sentries were posted around to prevent Chinese from “trespassing.” All the walls were pierced with embrasures large and small for cannons. A large number of Chinese houses were demolished to create the military parade ground.

Dongjiaomin Lane now houses Chinese government offices and apartment buildings. At the eastern end is the Xinqiao Hotel and Tongren Hospital. To the west are Tian’anmen Square and Zhengyangmen Gate. Strolling along this peaceful street in heart of Beijing, the city seems very far away.