 The name "Liulichang" dates back to the Ming dynasty, when a renowned coloured glaze factory called "Liulichang" was in production on this street, which made glazed tiles for the palaces, temples, and residences of the officials.According to local legend, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Liulichang was a favourite haunt for scholars, painters, and calligraphers who gathered there to write, compile, and purchase books, as well as to paint and compose poetry.By the Kangxi era (1661–1722) of the Qing dynasty, Liulichang had become one of the most flourishing cultural centres in all of Beijing.