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]

Designers have carefully traced the cultural significance of each house and alley, updating and renovating them to align with contemporary lifestyles, with the guiding principle to restore the old while embracing the future.

After the renovation, clearing, and block rejuvenation, many idle courtyard spaces emerged in Zhonglouwan hutong. The local government has since transformed these spaces, converting some into offices or businesses, while others are repurposed for emerging industries, creating more public service areas for the community.