In the bustling Chinese capital of Beijing, the iconic Hutongs, or narrow residential alleyways, have been well protected, preserved and renovated to harbor a traditional way of life after architects and designers gave these old structures a makeover, paying respect to the history and celebrating the memories of the city currently under rapid urbanization.
The Hutongs are an integral part of the city's traditional landscape, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), about seven centuries ago. To preserve and enhance these unique neighborhoods, the Beijing municipal government has launched a renovation drive while preserving their cultural essence.
About 260 years ago in the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Liulichang (Colored Glaze Factory) Culture Street was the distribution center for antiques, calligraphy works, and Chinese paintings, as well as what are called "the scholar's four treasures," namely, the writing brush, rice paper, ink stick and ink slab.
Yaojiang Hutong, part of the historic street, has undergone a series of successful renovations, including improved drainage systems and vibrant community spaces such as cafes and flower shops.
"This is the famous sunken square in Beijing. Its lowest point is 1.5 meters lower than the outdoor floor, and it accumulates water when it rains all year round. We used three patented technologies to achieve this effect. Now we neither need to use lift pumps nor take any other manual measures to fix the waterlogging. Now, when it rains, this sunken area is no longer waterlogged at all," said Li Zixiang, vice general manager of Beijing Dashilan Investment Co., who is in charge of the renovation project.
There are many old residential lanes and buildings on both sides of the Beijing Central Axis. In 2021, the Beijing municipal government launched a pilot project for the preservation and urban renewal of the old city. Residents could apply for vacating their public housing according to their personal wishes. Some chose to stay, others moved out, and some new residents moved in. They are experiencing a renewed sense of community, celebrating traditions and fostering connections in these revitalized lanes.
"You see it's very tidy outside. Inside the house, underfloor heating is installed. The entire underground drainage facilities have been changed. What's more, there is a coffee shop and a flower shop in the yard, making the whole neighborhood lively and popular. It's good, and we're very satisfied. At least we're happier," said Wei Chunxiang, a 81-year old resident.
Another resident Xiao Yaping whose family has been living there for four generations shared her feeling of living in a renovated Hutong neighborhood.
"Clean. Quiet. People are more friendly and easy going. And young people here are very active. We greet each other, and the vibe is good. Sometimes when I finish working at home, I come here. Just standing here for a while makes me feel comfortable. It's more spacious and beautiful," she said.
In a coffee shop next door, a newlywed couple is taking photos to commemorate their new life. And this is Huyan Zhenyu, the owner of the coffee shop. The 32-year-old is from the city of Mudanjiang in Heilongjiang Province in the northeast. He explained why he chose to open a coffee shop in an alley far from the street.
"I started drawing when I was four years old till I graduated from high school. I learned the freehand style of painting traditional Chinese art. When I was a child, my teacher told me that there was a Liulichang Street in Beijing, and the street was the birthplace of art. In my young heart, this street became a sacred place of worship. When I came to Beijing for the first time, the Liulichang Street was my first stop. It's hard to explain it. After all those years coming and going, I never thought that I could run a business here. Then after eight years of working in Beijing, I finally opened this shop here to answer the haunting, I guess," said Huyan Zhenyu, founder of the Coffee Breath bar.
And the young man is artistic, creative and caring in different fields from music bands, painting, photography, riding and lure fishing.
"This yard is not big, only 2,000 square meters, and the living area is only 800 square meters, so each household is relatively small. Back then, there were several design proposals and I also took part in the overall planning. In the end, I thought the renovation of this space couldn't be too exaggerated. It should be first of all close to life, second of all clean and bright. And most of all, it's supposed to function as a living room of this entire community," he said.
Another young man was enjoying his afternoon hours. He was having coffee and reading in the corner of the coffee shop with one cat sitting under his sofa. Born and raised in north China's Shanxi Province, he's now a new fan of this Hutong lifestyle. He feels he fits right in.
"Just walking through an ordinary Hutong entrance, you come into a courtyard, where there's a flower shop and a coffee shop. And the two-door layout of the coffee shop makes me feel as if I entered the front door of my home and then walked to my own room. And there are cats waiting for me. Then I order a cup of coffee and relax in a cozy place like this. It's really comfortable," said Niu Shiyu, a regular customer.
The miniature nature of Hutong, ever since its conception, has offered a sense of comfort and intimacy within increasingly densified and gentrified surroundings.
"What is the most valuable in the old city? It's the space. Now we have created a space like this. Residents use it and enjoy it and they feel pretty good. They'd like to share their happiness. And that is the sense of accomplishment this project has brought us," Li said.
David Adjaye, a Ghanaian British architect, once said, "Buildings are deeply emotive structures which form our psyche. People think they're just things they maneuver through, but the makeup of a person is influenced by the nature of spaces."
Designers renovate Hutong neighborhoods in Beijing to harbor traditional way of life
