'Meet me at Wangfujing': Tales from a Beijing neighborhood
Share - WeChat


Until the late 1990s the entire length of Wangfujing was open to vehicle traffic, though gradually between 1999 and 2000 the stretch south between Jinyu Hutong and Chang'an was pedestrianized. This was part of a major renovation program I saw across central Beijing, partly to improve the city’s image in the run-up to its 2008 Olympics bid. It has had great success, creating a pedestrian zone where visitors can walk safely. Today only small trolleys taking sightseers around Wangfujing and surrounding spots of interest are allowed passage.
Most Viewed in 24 Hours