'Fang Villa') due to its historical origin as an estate of Fang family.

[2] In 1951, three villages of this area (Puzhuang, Huangtukeng and Yushu) merged to form the Puhuangyu Township.

Fangzhuang is divided into four neighborhoods: 芳古园 (Fangguyuan), 芳城园 (Fangchengyuan), 芳群园 (Fangqunyuan), 芳星园 (Fangxingyuan).

The second character of each neighborhood name, taken together, spells 古城群星, which means the "stars of the ancient city."

Historically, Fangzhuang was well known as an area where the affluent of southern Beijing lived (南城富人区).