Hutong offers authentic experience of 'Beijing life'

However, like other old neighborhoods in Beijing's historic core, Zhonglouwan hutong used to face various challenges including dilapidated buildings, illegal structures, limited parking, and cramped living space that made life uncomfortable for residents and messy for tourists.

"Based on the functional role of the city's core area and its current conditions, we've explored ways to improve the urban environment, from streets and alleys to the entire blocks, creating a three-dimensional space that includes scenic corridors," said Wang Tao, deputy director of the Dongcheng district's urban management commission.