Beijing history

The Horrifying History behind Beijing's Most Notorious Execution Grounds

The Horrifying History behind Beijing's Most Notorious Execution Grounds

Few places in Beijing are as soaked in blood and steeped in the supernatural as the now rather banal neighborhood outside the Caishikou Metro Stop.

Story of the 'Jing: When Beijing's Most Famous Sites Opened Their Doors to the Public

Story of the 'Jing: When Beijing's Most Famous Sites Opened Their Doors to the Public

Beijing's most famous attractions didn't open their doors to the public until the 20th century (or even later).

Story of the 'Jing: What's the Deal With the Old Red Gate on Ghost Street?

Story of the 'Jing: What's the Deal With the Old Red Gate on Ghost Street?

Ever walked (or stumbled) down Gui Jie and wondered why there is a red doorway and a stone tablet right in the middle of the sidewalk?

Weekend Walk: Take a Stroll Through History Around Beijing's Lakes District

Weekend Walk: Take a Stroll Through History Around Beijing's Lakes District

The shores around the lakes known as Houhai have some of the best walking routes in Beijing.

Beijing's Five Architectural Colors, and the Symbolism Behind Them

Beijing's Five Architectural Colors, and the Symbolism Behind Them

It sometimes seems like the dominant color in Beijing is “Socialist Taupe.” The streets. The bricks. The roads. Getting away from the gray and the beige is hard.

That wasn’t always the case. In imperial times, builders and architects relied on five colors to add life to their creations: red, yellow, blue, white, and (yes) gray

Beyond Marco Polo: Italians in Old China

Beyond Marco Polo: Italians in Old China

While Marco Polo might be the best-known Italian to travel to China (or not), he was far from alone in making the long journey from that sunny Mediterranean peninsula to the Far East.

Charitable Past: Examples of Goodwill Throughout the Chinese Ages

Charitable Past: Examples of Goodwill Throughout the Chinese Ages

Even centuries ago, the people of Beijing were willing to help those less fortunate, and throughout the city’s recent history, there have been many institutions providing aid to the poor, the sick, and the displaced.