琉璃厂

liú lí chǎng
Meaning: Liu Li Chang (famous Beijing cultural district)

📚 Word Explanation

琉璃厂 (liú lí chǎng)

Liu Li Chang (Liú Lí Chǎng) is a historic cultural district in Beijing, originally named after a glassworks established during the Ming Dynasty. Though the factory no longer exists, the area evolved into a renowned hub for traditional Chinese arts — especially calligraphy, painting, antique books, inkstones, and scroll mounting. The name literally combines 琉 (liú, 'lapis lazuli' or 'colored glaze'), 璃 (lí, often paired with 琉 as a compound meaning 'glass' or 'glazed ceramic'), and 厂 (chǎng, 'factory' or 'workshop').

Today, Liu Li Chang refers to both the street and its surrounding neighborhood, lined with centuries-old shops and galleries. It remains a living center of Chinese scholarly culture and craftsmanship, frequented by collectors, artists, students of calligraphy, and tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences. Visiting Liu Li Chang is often described as stepping back into imperial-era Beijing’s literary world.

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