In early 2010，the Dongcheng District government announced the start of a major project: “Beijing Bell and Drum Tower • Beijing Time Cultural City”. With construction to start this year, residents in the Gulou neighborhood will be relocated before the start of Jinqian Hu, and the texture of the surrounding Bao Chao Hutong will be evaluated. Underground cultural relics in the area will also be explored. The government stressed that unlike general development projects, this is a government-led public service project and is people-oriented. Throughout the construction process, officials will make special effort to protect cultural and historical artifacts.

The project is the subject of vigorous debate due to the historical significance of the land and the famous Bell and Drum tower. For many foreigners, learning about China as children meant learning about ancient hutongs. To actually see them was the highlight of many Beijing tours. Thus, some foreigners and Chinese people expressed their concerns about Bell and Drum Tower and bemoaned the disappearing hutong. While others pointed out that the project will improve the resident’s living standards, enhance the transport facilities and create a new major tourist attraction.

In September, officials delayed the start of the project after they began rezoning the Chongwen and Xuanwu districts to merge with the Dongcheng and Xicheng districts.