Since the compilation of Siku Quanshu in Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty, a large number of scholars from all over the country have gathered in Xuannan area. As a large number of literati come and go, a cultural market centered on Liulichang has gradually formed.
The formation of cultural market led to a large number of bookstores around Liulichang. At the same time, Liulichang also has shops dealing in calligraphy and painting, antiques, Four Treasures of the Study and other commodities.
The integration of various cultures and numerous businesses here have attracted scholars from all over the country to watch or buy books. At that time, Ji Xiaolan, the main official of Sikuquanshu, and other editorial officials often went to Liulichang to collect and consult some precious documents and classics.
It is in this fierce competitive environment that Wang Yunyun entered the book market in Beijing and started his own business. He deeply understands that only by establishing his own brand can he open up his own world.
According to historical records, the second-hand bookstore in Fulongsi Street has the earliest history and the largest collection, but only two or three books are collected, such as Wenkuitang, Xiubitang and Xiuwentang. Wen Kuitang's library, in addition to the bookstore acquisition, also collected and acquired a large number of celebrity books, including a large number of books of the last emperor Puyi of the Qing Dynasty.
1925, Wen Kuitang purchased a large number of precious books of Xu Wusheng in partnership with Daiqiu Bookstore and Jinhua Bookstore, including Historical Records of Song Dynasty, Jin Zai Lu, Yuhai of Yuan Dynasty, Baijiangxue of Ming Dynasty, Movable Type of Xishan Temple and Yuan's manuscripts. With a large number of rare and out-of-print books, it attracts a large number of literati, which leads to its increasingly prosperous business.
In addition to collecting books, Wen Kuitang often prints new books for sale. Wen Kuitang printed many books, mainly including: Xixia Story written by Wu Guangcheng in Qingpu in Qing Dynasty; The Story of the Year of the Yan in Beijing's History, Customs and Culture written by Deng Chong, a native of Fu Cha in the Qing Dynasty: The Beginning of the Nine Palaces in Southern Music edited by Qingyun Xu Zi Room, China Classical Drama, etc. These printed books have high academic value.
The publication of these books has been loved by all walks of life, and at the same time, it has made more people know about Wenkui Hall, and its fame has gradually spread throughout the capital. "Bookstore in inner and outer cities, Wen Kui Pavilion as the crown" is enough to show its power at that time.
After Wang Yunduan's death, his son Wang Jinchang succeeded Wen Kuitang as the boss. Wang Jinchang obeyed his father's wishes and continued to manage Wen Kui Manor. At this time, most of the shops that print and sell books have moved to Liulichang, which means that Liulichang has dominated the cultural sales market in Beijing, and the cultural market of Long Fu Temple has also begun to slump, and Wen Kuitang's business has also declined.
After the founding of New China, the government reorganized and adjusted the bookstore industry and Liulichang Cultural Street in Beijing, and Wenkui Hall moved from Longfusi Street to Liulichang West Street and reopened.