Past & present in dialogue

Urban renewal

Travel east across the Central Axis and past the bustling Wangfujing commercial street, and another historical neighborhood, the Longfu Temple area, emerges.

Built in 1452 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Longfu Temple was once a grand imperial complex that later evolved into one of Beijing's most famous temple markets.

By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), monthly temple fairs rivaled those of Huguo Temple on the western side of the city, forming the capital's two largest and most popular marketplaces. Vendors sold antiques, calligraphy, clothing, and street snacks, while opera performances and folk arts filled the courtyards.

According to historians, the area flourished thanks in part to the Grand Canal trade network. Goods arriving from southern China passed through Tongzhou and entered the capital via the nearby Chaoyang Gate, making the neighborhood a natural commercial hub.

Unfortunately, it was severely damaged over time, and later restoration efforts turned the site into a space for restaurants, a market for clothing and small goods, and a digital square.

Yet, in recent years, Longfu Temple has begun undergoing a different kind of revival, as local planners adopted what Chinese architects call "embroidery-style urban renewal", which is a careful, incremental process that preserves historical layers while introducing new functions.

"We're always seeking balance," says Gao Tianliang, assistant general manager of Beijing Xinlongfu Cultural Investment Co.

One balance lies between heritage preservation and modern functionality. Former cafeterias have been converted into contemporary art galleries, while empty garages now house sports and lifestyle spaces.

Another balance is between urban memory and modern public life. Open plazas, seating areas and pedestrian corridors encourage residents and visitors to linger rather than simply pass through.

The district blends gray brick facades reminiscent of old Beijing, with terraces, sky bridges and contemporary storefronts. Traditional wooden signboards hang beside neon-lit boutiques.

"You can almost touch history," says Dai Qihong, store manager of Tongrentang Zhima Health, a modern concept brand created by Tongrentang, the Chinese medicine company founded in 1669.