Former Site of Yuanshun Escort Agency

　　Destination Introduction
　　The former site of Yuanshun Escort Agency is located at No. 13 Xibanbi Street, Chongwen District. It was established in the fifth year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1879) and was one of the famous escort agencies in the capital. It was founded in the fifth year of the Guangxu reign (1879) and was among the well-known escort agencies in Beijing. The founder was Wang Zibin (1844–1900), also known as Zhengyi, a renowned martial artist from the capital. His ancestral home was in Cangzhou, Hebei, and he was widely known as “Big Saber Wang Wu.” The agency had both front and rear courtyards as well as a west wing courtyard, comprising over 50 rooms. The rear courtyard served as the training and living quarters for the guards. The agency employed both land and water-based guards. Routes heading north were mostly overland, while those going south followed the Tongzhou Canal. Each time an escort mission set off, drums were beaten, gongs sounded, and firecrackers were set off to ensure a safe and auspicious journey. During the Hundred Days' Reform and the Boxer Rebellion, the Yuanshun Escort Agency became a secret meeting and gathering place for revolutionary groups. After the failure of the Boxer Rebellion, Wang Wu was killed by the Eight-Nation Alliance at the age of 56, and the agency was subsequently closed.

　　　　The buildings of the former escort agency still stand today, and their original layout remains unchanged.

　　　　Location: No. 13 Xibanbi Street, Chongwen District

　　 Beijing Chongwen District

　　(No images available at the moment. Contributions are welcome.)