Xicao Shi Street

　　Beijing Rhyme: Storytelling and opera performances, an endless heritage of performing arts

　　Age: Over 100 years

　　Past: In the late Qing Dynasty, the Zhushikou area was home to a large number of theater troupes, and gradually the Costume Street took shape. Initially, it only sold costumes for Peking Opera, Anhui Opera, and other theatrical performances. Later, more prop shops and ethnic clothing stores joined in, making it Beijing’s only specialty street for theatrical costumes.

　　Present: Located southeast of the Zhushikou intersection, Xicao Shi Street is famous for its theatrical costume shops. Its fame stems from historical developments. Although it is no longer as bustling as it once was due to municipal relocations—with well-known old shops like Changchun and Kou tou Liu having moved to Tianqiao—Beijing Theatrical Costume Factory and some costume shops remain. Visitors can still faintly sense the lingering echoes of theatrical performances, while regulars recall the former lively heyday.

　　Location: 30 meters south and 40 meters east from the intersection of Qianmen Street and Zhushikou Street, on the south side of the road

　　Highlights: Beijing Yiyuan Theater, Beijing Sanyou Theatrical Costume Store

　　(No photos available yet. Contributions welcome.)