The Origin of Biji Lane in Changzhou

Changzhou Biji Lane has a long history of more than 2,000 years, and it is also one of the important ancient cities formed in the early Central Plains. Known as one of the eight scenic spots in Changzhou in ancient times, it attracted a large number of literati, but now it seems a bit lonely and withered. The following is a specific raiders guide.

How to read Biji Lane

Bijixiang is pronounced Bijixing.

Bixiang is located on the north bank of the ancient canal in the west of the city. According to records, from the 14th year of Zheng De in Ming Dynasty (15 19), there was a place for piling here. Piling post station is an ancient post station, which is the residence where officers and officials who deliver official documents stop to change horses when passing through the local area.

Because it is located in an important position of the Grand Canal, according to historical records, when Qianlong visited Changzhou in the south, he landed in the big pier here twice. Nowadays, the big pier in Biji Lane has lost its functions as a pier and a post station and has become an out-and-out commercial street.

The origin of Biji Lane

Let's talk about the origin of the name Biji Lane. This street used to be called Huashi Street. In ancient times, there were comb shops everywhere. Changzhou comb is one of the eight ancient hair accessories in China. Its production technology was formed in Wei and Jin Dynasties, with a history of 1600 years. It has been listed in the national intangible cultural heritage list.

It is also because in ancient times, palace lanterns were hung in every shop at night and never went out all night. At that time, the grand occasion was also called "grate beam lamp", one of the eight scenic spots in Changzhou.

All this makes Biji Lane look so valuable and worthwhile. But the reality is the opposite, because few foreign tourists come to Biji Lane, and they don't even know Biji Lane.

Because of the lack of appreciation and experience, local citizens seldom come when they have nothing to do. So when I came, I saw two electric cars parked at random under the big archway, which read "grate beam lamp" Very ordinary, it is difficult to compare with the historical grand occasion of that year.

Ironically, this does not mean that the traffic volume of Biji Lane is not high, because the opposite of Biji Lane is the popular Wuyue International Plaza in Changzhou. There are many shops and fashionable brands.

Modern shopping malls are a part of our lives, but history is also worth remembering. If you have the opportunity to visit Changzhou Wuyue International Plaza, you can also visit Biji Lane.