On October 12, during the “High-Quality Development Research Journey” media event, I had the chance to explore Zhonglou Bay Hutong in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. This visit highlighted the significant transformation this historic alley has undergone, moving from issues like potholes and street obstruction to being recognized as one of the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Streets and Alleys in Beijing” in 2023.
Nestled on both sides of the iconic Bell and Drum Towers, Zhonglou Bay Hutong is the closest hutong to Beijing’s central axis. For years, it has preserved a rich local charm, deeply connected to the residents’ sense of nostalgia.
However, as time has passed and the needs of the residents have diversified, a range of challenges have emerged, including tangled overhead wires, inadequate accessibility features, and waterlogged roads. These issues have caused considerable frustration among local residents.
Wang Tao, Deputy Director of the Dongcheng District Urban Management Committee, shared insights into the district’s proactive approach: “In recent years, we have diligently advanced Beijing’s urban master plan and core area control regulations. We’re focused on improving the functional positioning of core regions and addressing the issues faced by alleys. Our goal is to explore a multi-dimensional upgrade from alleyways to blocks, enhancing urban quality comprehensively.”
When it comes to optimizing public spaces and returning roads to the people, Wang explained that the reconstruction efforts in Zhonglou Bay Hutong since the 2018 “Hundred Streets, Thousand Alleys” initiative have been tailored to meet the actual needs of the residents. Improvements have included upgrading electrical, communication, lighting and drainage systems, and enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of the alley, while also reinforcing its cultural characteristics for a more pleasant living experience.
Significant changes have been made, such as hiding five large power boxes and approximately 162 smaller boxes, consolidating 53 types of poles, and removing over 40,000 meters of jumbled wires. With these improvements in the linear space, the district has since focused on enhancing the aesthetic quality along the central axis while advancing comprehensive management from “line” to “surface.”
Walking alongside Zhang Zhe, a designer from Tsinghua Tongheng Planning and Design Institute, I entered the eastern section of Zhonglou Bay Hutong and encountered the first renovated courtyard: No. 90 Hutong.
Fan Laiyou, a long-time resident, couldn’t contain his excitement about the renovation. “Look at how smooth the ground is now! The house has been renovated, and we’ve even installed sensor lights. It’s so much better than before—living here is really comfortable!”
Zhang noted that the design team had identified problems such as damaged buildings, water accumulation on the ground, and insufficient lighting during their early assessments. The root causes included severely damaged wooden structural components that were beyond repair and low, uneven terrain that caused flooding during rainy seasons.
To address these issues, Dongcheng District has been actively restoring the courtyard to reflect its traditional “four beams and eight pillars” architectural style. They have also redesigned the plumbing and paved new ground with antique-style pervious bricks that not only harmonize with the overall appearance of the courtyard but also enhance drainage and reduce water pooling.
Since 2018, these comprehensive and detailed governance efforts have not only improved the environmental quality of Zhonglou Bay Hutong and its surroundings but have also restored its historical character, significantly enhancing residents’ well-being. This revitalization has fostered a flourishing cultural scene and diversified local business activities.
Wang concluded, “This hutong, rich in culture, has become a hotspot for tourists seeking authentic Beijing experiences, providing strong support for sustained neighborhood vitality and robust economic growth.”
