Chaoyang was considered affluent because of its auspicious feng shui. If this is so, Fengtai must have suffered from extremely poor feng shui, indeed. Located south of the city center in the area of the Old Chinese City, it has never enjoyed prosperity. Very nearly a slum even at its beginnings, some of the city's roughest hutongs are located here. Yet, in contrast, there are a number of architectural gems to be discovered as well, such as the Tian TanTranslation: The Temple of Heaven, constructed during the Ming Dynasty.

Fengtai spreads over the entire southern portion of our Beijing neighborhood. It is home to the Ancient Observatory, a celebrated Ming Dynasty construction. The observatory was originally incorporated as part of the city walls and was found near the Southeastern Gate and the Watchtower. This was the boundary at the far the southeastern border of the city. Halley's Comet was first observed from this spot. Today, the Observatory is located near the Chongwai Embassy District at the eastern end of Jianguomen NeiDajie (or Jianguomen Inner Street).

The history of the Beijing Observatory can be traced back to Kublai Khan and the Mongol Dynasty. It was during this era (the Yuan) that the original Observatory was built in 1442 CE. This first incarnation was located a bit further north than the present structure. Like so many others before and after them, the Khans relied heavily on astronomical observations and astrology to make decisions regarding their future plans. The Observatory that stands today (the "new" Observatory) was actually built over half a millenia ago during the Zhentong reign of the 4th Ming Emperor. Naturally, the Observatory was used to observe the sky allowing the experts to prepare astrological predictions. Later, it became a prime location for scientific research, although its use for astrological reasons diminished, but did not disappear altogether. The Beijing Observatory is renowned for being one of the oldest observatories still in existence today.

Dongnan Jiaolou's Red Gate and Gallery, located in the Southeast Corner Watchtower, lies 500 meters south of the observatory. According to the historical marker near the tower: "This corner tower is an ancient military defense building with height near 30m and 144 arrow holes". Dazhalan Jie Translation: Dashilan Street, directly south of Tian'anmen Translation: the Gate of Heavenly Peace, was home to the eunuchs of the Imperial House and other ancient powerful families. Wanfujing Street provides shopping at Hong Qiao silk market. And, as in all of our districts, there are the Qianmen hutongs.Traditionally the Chinese urban neighborhoods of rich and poor alike were laid out in quadrangles called siheyuan or 'four-sided, enclosed courtyards'. As is implied by the name, these siheyuan consisted of four inward facing buildings around a central courtyard. In ancient times they were laid out according to feng shui principles with the entrance gate in the southeast or 'wind' corner and the main building of the house facing south. The alleyways created by several siheyuan sitting side by side were called hutongs.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, while the Forbidden City was in use, the Tiantan Temple Complex (including the Temple of Heaven to the south) was the location of many Buddhist rituals and rites performed by the Emperor. Here, he would come to mediate and pray to Heaven, which naturally meant access to the Temple was forbidden to the general public. Like so many other structures in China, the layout of the entire temple and palace complex had symbolic meanings. The Tiantan Temple complex is laid out in a square with the north edge (which faces Tian'anmen and the Forbidden City) making a half circle. The Emperor would pass thru this half circle, making his way to the temple complex from the palace and symbolizing his passage to Heaven. Such ceremonies took place twice a year, during which time a magnificiently adorned procession of eunuchs, high ministers, and other dignitaries would proceed from the Palace to the Tiantan Temple complex. The Hall of Prayer symbolized and was considered the spiritual center of the Chinese Empire. Indeed, the Center of Heaven was said to be located above the Altar of the Temple of Heaven. And so naturally, it was here the Emperor came to commune with the Powers of Heaven in order to ensure China's continued prosperity and stablity.

The largest Moslem neighborhood in Beijing can be found south of Chang'an Avenue in the western quadrant of Xuanwu. Situated near the Ox Street Mosque, also known as the Temple of the Hui. The Hui are China's most ancient Islamic minority. This area of the city, running along the historic Liulichang Street, it is reputed to have some of Beijing's best strolling and antiques shopping. Also found in this area is the Fayuansi or Temple of the Source of the Law. Reportedly, you can get the real ethnic feeling for this area by walking the hutongs of the Hui..