What historical structures remain in Xi Zhuan Hutong, particularly after the recent introduction of a local project to "break-down for new construction," can be counted on one's fingers. With the exception of Fa Yuan Si, a famous temple, the only symbol of Xi Zhuan's long history is its Qing-era name, that of an ancient brick tower. Old locust trees shade the temples and lane in Xuanwu district. A few stores sell Buddhist commodities like decorated paintings, incense and literature. This is a quiet street.

Xie Fang De Temple

At the end of the hutong, near the back of Fa Yuan Temple, another ancient temple called Xie Fang De once stood. Xie Fang De was a national hero dedicated to defending against the invasion of the Mongolian army until the end of the Southern Song Dynasty. When the Mongolians took over, Xie Fang De was told to serve his new rulers. He refused based on his absolute loyalty to the previous emperor, and was consequently abducted to Beijing and jailed in Fa Yuan Temple. However, as Xie was widely known as a person of knowledge and capability, the Yuan government still expected him to serve them. Xie went on hunger strike; five days later, he died.

During the Ming Dynasty, to honor this man, people built a temple near the place of his death. Originally a huge structure at No. 3 Fa Yuan back street, in 2007 it was included in the "house breaking" program by the Xuanwu district authorities. It has now been erased completely from the hutong.

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