Past makes perfect present

"The aroma of lamb hotpot and coffee mingles in the alleys, creating a particular scent. The original residents carrying birdcages, walking their dogs, and picking up their children from school, along with fitness influencers, fashion enthusiasts, and white-collar workers from the nearby Financial Street, form the new eclectic scene," Kang says.

Ancient houses, old grain and oil stores, trendy shops and cafes coexist and combined with the young people coming to make social media check-ins, create a contemporary Beijing vibe.