Fit for royalty

The city's oldest commercial area, the 600-year-old Dashilan'er Street next to Qianmen, has emerged in a Phoenix-like manner from last year's massive renovation.

Recently, one stretch of the street - the western section - unveiled its new face to visitors.

The 323-m-long pedestrian street is humming with activity, with the attractions, such as hutong, typical Beijing snacks, handicrafts stores to the old Jinghua Guesthouse, making it an urban holiday destination.