Beijing's historic neighborhood blends historic Hutong charm with modern revival

The historic Miaoying Temple (or Baita Temple) in Beijing's Xicheng District, renowned for its ancient white pagoda, is experiencing a vibrant renaissance. Once a quiet, traditional neighborhood, it now buzzes with trendy cafes, stylish shops and lively eateries.

Despite this modern surge, the area still harbors many long-standing residents and century-old shops, creating a unique blend of old and new that is transforming it into an emerging cultural hotspot.

The manager at Jm Cafe shared that they serve nearly 100 cups a day, with numbers soaring to 300 to 400 on weekends and holidays. Many young visitors are drawn to the area's fresh vibe.

"I've noticed that since the old area was renovated, there are now many coffee shops, including this café, which also offers attractive merchandise that really appeals to young people. The products are quite creative, and it's also a great place for taking photos," said Wang, a customer.

Walking upstairs at Jm Cafe, it's easy to see why it's become a favorite hangout spot. The neighborhood's lively atmosphere extends beyond cafes, with a glimpse into its traditional charm.

Deeper into the area, a more authentic, local scene unfolds. Master Gao's Grain and Oil Store, a humble shop, remains a staple for residents buying groceries such as rice, flour and cooking oil.

Gao Jishun, the shop owner, said the shop has been here for 34 years, things have really improved over time, and that the environment is much better than it used to be.

Nearby, a small stall named Bing Ge and Gao Jie is famous for its fried snacks that locals, especially seasoned Beijingers, can't get enough of. Chen Zhonglie, the owner, has been running the stall for over 30 years. Many returned customers couldn't stop praising the crispy and sweet meatballs.

Meanwhile, for Tian Xinmiao, who has lived here her whole life, the neighborhood's vibrant transformation feels both refreshing and inspiring.

"This area really showcases the hutong culture. And when you look at the food and drinks here, everything feels fresh and lively," Tian said.

As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it embodies a delicate balance, preserving its historic hutong charm while embracing modern vitality. It's a place where tradition and innovation coexist, making it a compelling symbol of Beijing's ongoing cultural renewal.

Hutong is the name given to a narrow lane, alley, or small street between rows of single-storey courtyards dwelled by Beijingers in the past.

Beijing's historic neighborhood blends historic Hutong charm with modern revival

The Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by China has shifted the paradigm in thinking about global security away from the traditional zero-sum mentality toward a vision rooted in dialogue and development, said a Chinese expert on Tuesday.

In April 2022, China proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI), which aims to create a new path to security that prioritizes dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win over zero-sum thinking.

The initiative provides a new course and approach to addressing the root causes of international conflicts and solving security challenges facing humanity.

During an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Wang Xinsong, associate professor at the School of Government at Beijing Normal University, hailed the initiative's importance amid escalating global challenges.

"It's been four years and we have witnessed that the Global Security Initiative or GSI has transformed from a framework in principle to an action plan with many actions having taken place in mediating the conflicts. The major difference between the GSI and the traditional and the existing mainstream idea about global security is that the mainstream idea is being the zero-sum mentality where the belief is that one country's safety is possible only if its neighbors safety is not existent. The GSI shifts the paradigm in thinking about global security away from the zero-sum mentality by arguing that security at the end of the day is very much related to development," Wang said.

Over the past four years, China has consistently promoted the implementation of the GSI. By the end of 2025, the initiative has received support and appreciation from more than 130 countries and regions, as well as international organizations, and has been explicitly incorporated into more than 140 bilateral and multilateral documents at home and abroad.

China's Global Security Initiative shifts paradigm away from traditional zero-sum mentality: expert