Qianshi Hutong, Beijing, 2015

Qianshi hutong (Chinese: 钱市胡同; pinyin: qiánshì hútong) translated as money market hutong, is a Beijing hutong recognized as the narrowest in the city.[1] The street is located near to Qianmen, in the Dongcheng district.[2][3] For most of its 55-metre (180 ft) length it is 70-centimetre (2.3 ft) wide and measures 40 centimetres (16 in) at its narrowest point, requiring passersby to turn sideways.[3][2]

History

During the Qing Dynasty, Qianshi was a financial center of monetary exchange, home to 26 mints producing copper coins for nearly every bank in the city. [2] The lane narrowed as these banks expanded.[2] After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the lane lost its function following the reformation of the monetary system and the production of paper currency.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Qianshi Hutong, Beijing's narrowest hutong". crienglish.com. 20 August 2012. Archived from the original on January 20, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "A lane you can bank on: Qianshi Hutong". CCTV. 1 June 2010.
  3. 1 2 "The narrowest lane of the world". Beijing Holiday blog. 28 July 2010.
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