What exactly is Tianqiao in Beijing?

Tianqiao in Beijing has two meanings. One is a concrete overpass, and the other is a cultural overpass.

1, concrete overpass, located in the south of the Forbidden City and the north of the Temple of Heaven in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, across Longxugou. Emperors in Ming and Qing Dynasties had to pass through this bridge when they went to the Temple of Heaven and the Xiannongtan to attend sacrificial ceremonies. Of course, the bridge that the son of heaven crossed is the overpass. This overpass is a jade bridge, which is usually closed with a wooden fence. Officials and people can only walk on wooden bridges on both sides.

2. The second is the overpass in cultural concept. Tianqiao and its surroundings used to be the cultural landmark of Beijing and the most prosperous entertainment place for civilians. There is a grand occasion of "wine and drum drama over Tianqiao City, how many tourists don't remember home", which is in stark contrast to the heavily guarded and sparsely populated Forbidden City.

The "three religions and nine streams, five elements and eight feats, all kinds of juggling and eating methods" here together constitute the Tianqiao culture with a unique "Beijing flavor" and become an indispensable part of Beijing customs and culture.

Brief introduction of Beijing overpass

Tianqiao has prospered and developed due to the rise of the market, facing the general public, integrating culture, entertainment and commercial services, and combining literature and business to promote each other. Its rise is not only an economic phenomenon, but also a cultural phenomenon. In the course of its development, Tianqiao gradually formed a unique Tianqiao civilian culture.