In front of the Arrow Tower is the most important transportation center in Beijing. A little closer to both sides are the waiting rooms next to the two railway lines, which are connected with the city wall. The city gate building is connected with the western-style railway station through the roof and verandah of the waiting room. There is an open and spacious square (that is, the original Wengcheng open space). The muddy river flows in the narrow channel of the moat, and a new wide stone bridge spans it. A square site on the bridge deck is divided into four avenues by chains and stone pillars, which extend south, east and west respectively, leading directly to the most important business district in the outer city.
Overlooking Qianmen Street from the tower, the most beautiful and attractive street view in Beijing comes into view, with drooping green willows and ancient archways standing on both sides, full of traffic and colorful. The city's most famous shops-"Eight Alleys" and the most famous restaurants-"Quanjude" are all concentrated here, and the famous "Eight Hutongs" are also hidden in the deep alleys on the west side of the street. Guangde Building and other theaters are the cradle of the birth of Peking Opera. After the Republic of China, the counseling center integrating shopping, entertainment and catering was the precedent of modern commercial layout.
Until 1949, "going out of the front door" was something that ordinary people, even the powerful people in the city, yearned for infinitely.
North of Qianmen is the ruling center of feudal dynasty, and south is the transportation hub and commercial center of the whole city. Therefore, the South is not only a link with foreign countries, but also a place for exchanges and trade. In this way, "going out of the front door" has been given a special meaning: going out of the closed hall, strengthening foreign exchanges, learning from each other's strengths; Carry out material and cultural exchanges, develop the economy, complement each other's advantages and develop together. Regrettably, this measure which meets the requirements of the times has not been recognized by the rulers. In addition to the legendary New Year's Eve, all the officials of the civil and military have a meal in the same place, and there is no longer a move to "go out of the front door" and consciously expand contact with the outside world. The most common anecdote is that princes and nobles "go out of the front door" to eat, drink and have fun. This should be said to be the sorrow of "going out of the front door".