The Dongjiaominxiang Legation Quarter

Dongjiaominxiang Legation Quarter

The Dongjiaominxiang Legation Quarter is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Dongjiaominxiang Legation Quarter is located on Dongjiaominxiang in Dongcheng District, Beijing. Formed between 1901 and 1912, it is an European-style district that includes legations, churches, banks, official residences, and clubs.

The surviving structures include the former French Legation, Austro-Hungarian Legation, Belgian Legation, Japanese Legation and Minister’s Residence, Italian Legation, British Legation, Yokohama Specie Bank, Citibank, Banque de l'Indochine, Russo-Chinese Bank, the International Club, and the French Barracks, among others. These remaining buildings have all been preserved in their original state, maintaining the eclectic architectural style popular in Europe and America in the early 20th century. Features include exposed brick moldings and pilasters, brick arches with outer arcades, wooden roof trusses at corners, and iron-sheet sloping roofs.

The Dongjiaominxiang Legation Quarter is the only remaining Western-style architectural complex from the early 20th century in Beijing. It also stands as a physical relic of imperialist aggression against China and serves as an educational base for patriotism.

On June 25, 2001, the Dongjiaominxiang Legation Quarter was approved by the State Council to be included in the fifth group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units as an important modern historical site and representative building.

Further reading:

· Fifth Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units