Hutongoffers authentic experience of 'Beijing life'

Zhonglouwan hutong, located near Beijing's iconic Drum Tower and Bell Tower in Dongcheng district, the closest hutongto Beijing's Central Axis, attracts tourists from around the world eager to experience the authentic "Beijing life." [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Since the city-wide environmental improvement initiative for streets and alleys in 2018, Dongcheng district has focused on meeting residents' needs by upgrading power, telecommunications, lighting, drainage, and roads in Zhonglouwan hutong. These measures have enhanced public spaces, highlighted the area's cultural heritage, and made life more comfortable for locals.

"We're not trying to restore the hutongsto a specific period, but rather preserve their historical essence while adapting them for modern living," said Tan Tao, designer from the Tsinghua Tongheng Urban Planning and Design Institute.