Legation Quarter

Built following the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, Beijing's Legation Quarter was established by foreign powers who forced the Qing government to accept the creation of a 'state-within-a-state'.

This 200 acre compound - just a kilometre or so south of the Forbidden City - was out of bounds to the Chinese and housed British, French, Russian and Japanese legations, amongst others, as well as banks, hotels and other trappings required to provide a home-from-home for the 500 or so foreign business and government personnel living there.

Today, because of its central location, much of the Legation Quarter has been taken over by Chinese government departments. The Supreme Court of China building is here as well as the office of the Major of Beijing. The original buildings can only be viewed at a distance through guarded gates. One of the remaining, accessible, buildings is St. Michael's church which still houses an active Christian community and opened at the end of 80's for regular services.

During our walk along the pleasant streets of the quarter, full of mature trees and gardens, we came across the Beijing Police Museum, a four storey building - originally the Bank of New York - tracing the history and heroics of Beijing's finest. Entry was a modest 5RMB (50€ cents), but for an additional 15RMB (1.5€) you got a smiling policeman key ring, a lapel badge and a go at the police laser shooting range - a full Dirty Harry experience with video clips of villains jumping out from behind buildings and firing at you. This was a opportunity we couldn't miss!

Are you feeling lucky, punk?