Former Site of Yuanshun Escort Agency

Former Site of Yuanshun Escort Agency

The former site of Yuanshun Escort Agency is a cultural tourism attraction.

Destination Introduction

The former site of Yuanshun Escort Agency is situated at No. 13 Xibanbi Street, Chongwen District. Established in the fifth year of the Guangxu reign (1879), it was one of the famous escort agencies in the capital. Its founder was Wang Zibin (1844–1900), courtesy name Zhengyi, hailing from Cangzhou, Hebei, and widely known as “Big Sword Wang Wu.” The agency consisted of a front courtyard, a rear courtyard, and a west wing, housing over 50 rooms. The rear courtyard served as the training and living quarters for the guards. The agency employed both land-based and water-based guards. Routes heading north mostly used overland paths, while those going south followed the Tongzhou section of the Grand Canal. Each mission would begin with the beating of drums and gongs and the firing of celebratory cannons to ensure safety and good fortune. During the Hundred Days' Reform and the Boxer Rebellion, Yuanshun Escort Agency became a secret meeting point and gathering place for revolutionary groups. After the failure of the Boxer Rebellion, Wang Wu was killed by the Eight-Nation Alliance at the age of 56, and the agency was subsequently closed.

The buildings of the former escort agency still stand today, with their original layout preserved.

Location: No. 13 Xibanbi Street, Chongwen District

Chongwen District, Beijing