Dongdan (Chinese: 东单; pinyin: Dōngdān), literally "Eastern Single" or "Eastern Single Sign Gate" is the name of a crossing on Beijing's Chang'an Avenue and surrounding neighborhood. The name is derived from the single paifang or Chinese sign gate that once marked the intersection.[1] In the checkerboard layout of Beijing, the Dongdan intersection in Dongcheng District to the east of the city centre, is balanced by Xidan or the "Western Single" in Xicheng District to the west of city centre. Dongdan and Xidan were traditionally market centers.
In the Dongdan region one finds the Oriental Plaza, and Dongdan North Street, termed "silver street" for being next to (and slightly inferior to) Wangfujing Street. Like Wangfujing, Dongdan is also home to many shops.
- ^ (Chinese) "“东单”“西单”“东四”“西四” 名称的来历" Archived 2011-08-03 at the Wayback Machine 2009-04-15