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Architectural Remains of the Zongli Yamen (Office for the Management of the Business of All Foreign Countries)

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The architectural remains of the Zongli Yamen are located at No. 49 Dongtangzi Hutong, Dongcheng District, and are among the seventh batch of municipal-level cultural heritage protection units in Beijing. Originally the residence of Saišangga, a grand secretary of the Qing Dynasty. After the signing of the Beijing Treaty in 1860, it was established as a central government agency specially set up by the Qing government to handle Westernization and diplomatic affairs. During the Tongzhi era, the “Tongwen Guan” (School of Combined Learning) was set up within the compound, selecting bannermen’s children to study foreign languages. It was China’s first foreign language school and was referred to as the Eastern Compound. In 1875, the western courtyard was renovated to accommodate envoys dispatched to foreign countries and also served as a place where ministers from various ministries met foreign dignitaries. This part was called the Western Compound.

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Architectural Remains of the Zongli Yamen

The architectural remains of the Zongli Yamen are a municipal-level cultural heritage protection unit in Beijing.

The architectural remains of the Zongli Yamen are located at No. 49 Dongtangzi Hutong, Dongcheng District, and are among the seventh batch of municipal-level cultural heritage protection units in Beijing.

Originally the residence of Saišangga, a grand secretary of the Qing Dynasty. After the signing of the Beijing Treaty in 1860, it was established as a central government agency specially set up by the Qing government to handle Westernization and diplomatic affairs. During the Tongzhi era, the “Tongwen Guan” (School of Combined Learning) was set up within the compound, selecting bannermen’s children to study foreign languages. It was China’s first foreign language school and was referred to as the Eastern Compound. In 1875, the western courtyard was renovated to accommodate envoys dispatched to foreign countries and also served as a place where ministers from various ministries met foreign dignitaries. This part was called the Western Compound.

Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics