Jinan Mashi Street

Jinan Mashi Street

Mashi Street is adjacent to Donghuaqiangzi Street, with Pan Pond located on the west side of the latter. This street lies just south of the main gate of the former Jinan Prefectural Confucian Temple (also known as the Temple of Confucius). Before the Xinhai Revolution, out of respect for Confucius, it was customary for civil officials to dismount from their sedan chairs and military officials to dismount from their horses when passing the temple’s entrance. Visitors or those coming to pay homage to Confucius at the temple would tether their horses along this street, hence the name Mashi Street, or “Horse Market Street.” Mashi Street is clean and fresh. Though the horses and carts of the past are no longer seen, the air still seems to echo with the neighs of steeds rearing on their hind legs.