Embassy of France Former Site in Beijing

The Embassy of France Former Site (法国使馆旧址) is located at 15 Dongjiaomin Lane (东交民巷), Dongcheng District, Beijing. Originally a private residence, it was transformed into the French Embassy in 1861 during the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Xianfeng. The site still retains several historical structures, including a central fountain, a gate, and four symmetrical accompanying buildings, offering a unique glimpse into both Chinese and European architectural fusion during the late Qing period.

Historical Background

The Embassy of France Former Site has a rich history tied to the Qing Dynasty:

Shunzhi Era (1644-1661): The site began as the residence of Prince Chun, a royal family member.

1860: During the Second Opium War, French and British forces captured Beijing. The French occupied the Prince’s residence, which led to the signing of the Treaty of Tientsin (《天津条约》) in 1860, allowing France to establish an embassy in Beijing.

1861: The residence was officially leased to France and transformed into the French Embassy.

1900: The Boxer Rebellion (义和团运动) led to the destruction of the embassy, but it was rebuilt in 1901 after the Qing government signed the Boxer Protocol (《辛丑条约》).

1950: The French Embassy was handed over to the People’s Republic of China following the establishment of the new government.

Architectural Features

The Embassy of France Former Site is a blend of Chinese and European architectural styles, offering valuable insight into the building traditions of the Qing dynasty and foreign influence in Beijing.

Gate: The entrance features a single arch in the form of a triumphal arch, made from grey bricks and decorated with blue stone. The central portal is flanked by massive brick columns, creating a trapezoidal structure. The gate is adorned with a floral dragon motif and classical eaves, topped with a brick parapet and stone lion statues.

Main Building: Originally a two-story brick and wood structure, the main building followed a “U” shape with a basement. The façade features grey brick and blue stone with a sloped roof and tall chimneys. The structure is symmetrical, with the central part of the lower level featuring large arches interspersed with smaller ones, resting on stone columns. Inside, the layout includes a hall, a large dining room, and a pair of conference rooms that can be divided. The building has since been replaced by a similarly-sized modern two-story structure.

Residence Buildings: Four two-story residences were added to the compound, constructed from grey bricks and stone, arranged symmetrically around the courtyard. These structures were designed in the style of French country villas, with wooden verandas and brick archways.

Cultural Significance

The Embassy of France Former Site is a remarkable example of cross-cultural architectural fusion, as it was built on the foundation of traditional Chinese architecture while incorporating European elements, particularly French villa design. This combination provides an essential reference for studying the architectural interaction between foreign embassies and Chinese palatial structures during the late Qing period.

Preservation and Protection

On October 20, 1995, the Embassy of France Former Site was designated as a Municipal Cultural Heritage Protection Unit by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government.

On June 25, 2001, it, along with the entire diplomatic compound in Dongjiaomin Lane, was listed as a National Key Cultural Heritage Site by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Visitor Information

Location: The Embassy of France Former Site is located at 15 Dongjiaomin Lane, Dongcheng District, Beijing.

Opening Hours: The site is open to the public, but visitors should check in advance for any special exhibitions or maintenance schedules.

Admission: Admission fees may apply. Please consult local listings for updated information.

Transportation

The Embassy of France Former Site is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:

By Bus: Take bus 103 and get off at Taijichang Station (台基厂站).

By Subway: Take Line 1 or Line 8 of the Beijing Subway and get off at Wangfujing Station (王府井站).

By Car: The Embassy of France Former Site is approximately 3.5 km from the Dongcheng District People’s Government, about a 10-minute drive.