Lazhu Hutong

Lazhu Hutong

In the Guangxu-era *Shuntian Prefecture Annals*, Lazhu Hutong was recorded as La Zhadixin (Candle Wick) Hutong. The character “心” (heart) appeared as “信” (letter) in the detailed 1908 Imperial Capital Map from the 34th year of Guangxu’s reign, likely due to phonetic corruption. In the Republican-era *Yandu Congkao*, it was again written as “芯” (wick/core). “La Zhadixin” was also rendered as “La Zhuxin.” By 1965, the character “芯” was dropped, and it became simply known as Lazhu Hutong. The original name is now far removed in meaning. A candle wick refers to the string inside a candle used for lighting. As a hutong name, it may relate to the residence of those who made or sold such items. Both candle wicks and “làqiānr” (wick holders) were old lighting tools or accessories. On the other hand, Qiān’er Hutong predates the Ming Dynasty, while La Zhadixin emerged later in the Qing Dynasty — it’s possible that the latter branched off from the former. The middle section of Lazhu Hutong curves, and its northern side intersects with Xiaolazhu Lane, which likely derived from Lazhu Hutong.

Address: Southeastern Xuanwu District, Xicheng, Beijing. It starts from Qiān’er Hutong in the east and extends to Wanming Road in the west.