Xicheng

The history of Xicheng District is inextricably linked to the centuries-old history of Beijing itself. Although Xicheng was formed as an administrative unit relatively recently, its territory is the cradle of the ancient capital—a place where the country's most important decisions have been made and cultural traditions have been born for centuries.

Foundation and Early Records

The area where Xicheng stands today is considered the birthplace of Beijing, which has a history as a city spanning over 3,000 years. These lands have served as an imperial capital for over 800 years. Prior to the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, the area was primarily inhabited by court aristocrats and members of the imperial family. Officially, the modern administrative district of Xicheng, which translates to "Western City," was created in May 1958 through the merger of two historical districts—Xidan and Xisi. Later, in 2010, the Xuanwu District was also incorporated, significantly expanding its borders.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Xicheng was shaped by three main factors:

• Political Power: Since ancient times, this territory has been the center of political life. Today, it houses China's key state and party institutions, making Xicheng the heart of the country's governance.
• Geographical Location: The district occupies the western part of Beijing's historic center and includes iconic sites such as Beihai Park, the Jingshan Imperial Garden, and the scenic Shichahai lake area. These sites not only shaped the landscape but also served as centers of attraction for the nobility and townspeople.
• Trade and Economy: Xicheng has always been an important commercial hub. Today, it is home to the famous Beijing Financial Street (Jinrong Street), the national center for financial management, as well as the bustling Xidan shopping district.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

Xicheng was originally formed as an elite district, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy. Many imperial residences, temples, and gardens, such as Prince Gong's Mansion, have been preserved here. The district is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks, featuring 18 protected historical and cultural zones. It is in Xicheng where you can find Beijing's oldest mosque, Niujie, founded in 996, and the city's oldest Catholic church, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This concentration of cultural and historical heritage makes Xicheng a unique window into the past of the great capital.

A Brief Chronology

• 996 – The Niujie Mosque is founded; the oldest in Beijing, it stands as a testament to the early multicultural heritage in what would become Xicheng District.
• 12th Century – The territory becomes part of Zhongdu, the capital of the Jin Dynasty, and work begins on the imperial garden that would later become Beihai Park.
• 1267 – Emperor Kublai Khan, founder of the Yuan Dynasty, begins construction of the new capital, Dadu, the center of which was located on the lands of modern-day Xicheng and Dongcheng.
• 1406–1420 – During the Ming Dynasty, a massive reconstruction of Beijing takes place, including the expansion of imperial gardens such as Beihai.
• 1651 – The White Stupa (Dagoba) is erected in Beihai Park to honor the visit of the 5th Dalai Lama, becoming one of the district's symbols.
• 1777 – Construction is completed on the lavish residence that would later become known as Prince Gong's Mansion.
• 1911 – The Xinhai Revolution leads to the fall of the last imperial dynasty, the Qing, and the district, previously inhabited mostly by the aristocracy, begins to change its social character.
• 1958 – Xicheng District is officially established as an administrative unit through the merger of the historical Xidan and Xisi districts.
• 1990s – Active development begins on Beijing Financial Street (Jinrong Street), which eventually evolves into the national center for financial management.
• 2010 – Xuanwu District is merged into Xicheng, significantly expanding its territory and increasing the number of historical monuments under its jurisdiction.

Key Milestones in the Development of Xicheng

The history of Xicheng District is a story of the transformation of an imperial center into the modern heart of Beijing. Key transitions reflect the changing eras, economic reforms, and the drive to preserve a rich cultural heritage.

• Formation of Administrative Boundaries (1958): The modern Xicheng District was officially formed in May 1958 through the merger of two historical districts—Xidan and Xisi. This step laid the foundation for the centralized management of the western part of Beijing's historic center.
• Establishment of Beijing Financial Street (1990s): Perhaps the most significant economic transformation. Starting in the 1990s, Jinrong Street was purposefully developed as a national center for financial management. Today, it houses the headquarters of China's largest banks and financial regulators, turning Xicheng into the country's financial heart.
• Transformation of Xidan into a Youth Shopping Hub: Although Xidan has historically been a commercial area, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it transformed into a modern retail center geared toward younger generations. The arrival of major malls, such as Joy City, and trendy brand stores solidified its status as a "shopping paradise for youth."
• District Expansion (2010): In July 2010, the historical Xuanwu District was merged into Xicheng. This not only nearly doubled the territory but also enriched Xicheng with a vast number of new cultural sites, giving it a more diverse social and historical character.
• Emphasis on Heritage Preservation (2000s – Present): Amid rapid modernization, district authorities have paid great attention to preserving its unique historical appearance. Programs are being implemented to renovate traditional hutong alleys, protect historical and cultural zones like Shichahai, and safeguard intangible heritage.
• Digital Economy Development: In recent years, Xicheng has been actively developing its fintech and digital economy sectors. The creation of specialized industrial parks and the "Maliandao China Data Street" demonstrates the district's commitment to remaining at the forefront of economic innovation.

The architectural character of Xicheng District is a unique combination of centuries-old imperial history and an ultra-modern financial center. Urban development here has followed paths that reflect the key stages of Beijing's overall evolution, creating a striking contrast between the old and the new.

Imperial Era (Ming and Qing Dynasties, 1368–1912)

The foundation of Xicheng's appearance was laid during the Ming and Qing eras, when Beijing acquired its classical look. This period is characterized by monumental palace and temple architecture, strictly adhering to principles of symmetry, hierarchy, and harmony with nature.

• Style: Traditional Chinese architecture featuring curved tiled roofs, a complex system of wooden brackets (dougong), vibrant paintings, and the orientation of buildings along a north-south axis.
• Iconic Sites: While the Forbidden City is located in neighboring Dongcheng, its influence on Xicheng's architecture is immense. Within the district itself, prime examples include Beihai Park with its White Stupa (Dagoba) built in the 17th century, and the opulent Prince Gong's Mansion—one of the best-preserved aristocratic residences from the Qing Dynasty.
• Urban Planning: The heart of the old city is a network of narrow alleys known as hutongs, consisting of traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan). These neighborhoods, such as the picturesque Shichahai area, still preserve the atmosphere of old Beijing and serve as a living monument to the traditional way of life.

20th Century: A Period of Transition

Following the fall of the empire and throughout the 20th century, architectural development was less pronounced. European-style buildings appeared, followed later by the functional structures typical of the mid-century. However, the true transformation began at the end of the century with economic reforms.

Modern Era (Late 20th – 21st Century)

This period has been marked by radical renewal and the emergence of world-class architecture that contrasts sharply with the historical heritage.

• Style: Postmodernism, high-tech, and contemporary design. It is characterized by the use of glass, steel, and concrete, creating large-scale and futuristic forms.
• Iconic Sites:
  • National Centre for the Performing Arts: Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, this titanium ellipsoid, famously known as "The Giant Egg," has become one of the most recognizable symbols of modern Beijing. Its appearance in the historical center sparked much debate, but today it is an iconic cultural landmark.
  • Beijing Financial Street (Jinrong Street): An entire district built up with high-rise office buildings and skyscrapers, housing the headquarters of China's largest financial institutions. This quarter embodies the economic power of modern China and stands in stark contrast to the neighboring hutongs.
• Urban Planning: The modern development of Xicheng demonstrates a "two-faced" policy: on one hand, the active construction of high-rise business and commercial centers (like Jinrong Street and Xidan), and on the other, efforts to preserve and restore historical zones such as Shichahai and the surrounding hutongs.

Outstanding Personalities Associated with Xicheng District

As the historical and political heart of Beijing, Xicheng District has for centuries been the home and place of work for many prominent figures in Chinese history, culture, and politics. Their former residences often serve as museums today, and their legacy is inextricably woven into the fabric of this unique district.

• Aisin-Gioro Yixin (Prince Gong): A statesman and member of the Qing Dynasty imperial family. His luxurious residence, known as Prince Gong's Mansion (Gongwangfu), is one of the best-preserved aristocratic estates in Beijing and a major attraction in Xicheng.
• Soong Ching-ling: A 20th-century political figure and the wife of Sun Yat-sen, the first president of the Republic of China. Her former residence, located near Lake Houhai, is now a memorial museum where she spent the final years of her life.
• Lu Xun: A writer and essayist considered the founder of modern Chinese literature. His museum-house in Xicheng, where he lived from 1924 to 1926, preserves the memory of his creative work and life in Beijing.
• Mei Lanfang: The great Peking Opera actor and reformer of theatrical art. He spent the last decade of his life in a traditional siheyuan mansion in Xicheng, which now functions as the Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum.
• Lao She: A prominent 20th-century Chinese novelist and dramatist, known for his works about the lives of ordinary Beijingers. His former residence, where he wrote the famous novel "Rickshaw Boy," is located in the former Xuanwu District (now part of Xicheng) and is open to visitors as a museum.
• Mao Zedong and other PRC Leaders: The founder of the PRC and many subsequent national leaders worked and lived in the Zhongnanhai government complex, located within Xicheng District. This has made the district the epicenter of China's political life since 1949.
• Aisin-Gioro Puyi: The last emperor of China. He was born in the Prince Chun Mansion, located in Xicheng. Although his reign is most associated with the Forbidden City, his birthplace directly links him to this district.