Chang an Boulevard

The world famous Chang an (Eternal Peace) Boulevard was built during 1406 and 1420 of the Ming Dynasty. Small in size at that time, it was one of the major roads especially built for the construction of the Forbidden City, the Imperial City, and the inner and outer city of Beijing. Today, the boulevard has been extended from the previous 3.6 kilometers to 46 kilometers, stretching from the Yunhe (Grand Canal)Square in Tongzhou District in the east to the eastern gate of the Capital Iron and Steel Company in Shijingshan District in the west. It is also called the 1 00-li (one li is equal to 0.5 kilometer) Chang an Boulevard. Walking along the straight Chang an Boulevard, one can enjoy places of historic interest and learn about the local customs of Beijing. Along both sides of the Boulevard are ancient, imperial buildings, adding radiance and beauty to modern high-rises. In addition, it is decorated by fountains, sculptures and lawns, and the green area accounts for 4 million square meters along the Boulevard.