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

India, home to one of the world's youngest populations, is witnessing a growing number of students heading to China in search of quality education and stronger career prospects.

Fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics and engineering are seeing a notable rise in enrollments.

Naresh Patra, a researcher in astrophysics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, chose to study in China for what he describes as the excellent value for the potential boost to his career.

"First thing, the education system is very good and expenses are too low. And second point [is that] you will get good exposure about machine learning and AI, and third point you will get jobs immediately after passing from these universities," said Naresh Patra, a student from India.

There has been a noticeable surge in inquiries from Indian students for courses in engineering and artificial intelligence. To attract more international applicants, Chinese universities have ramped up investment in world-class infrastructure, including advanced laboratories, while expanding scholarship offerings across a wide range of disciplines.

Akshay Bhambri is among those who secured such a scholarship, supporting his research in traditional medicine. He describes his academic experience in China as highly professional and well-structured.

"In different departments, there are enough resources to do that, and even in libraries, whatever you need is provided immediately to you. So this kind of environment for a researcher, for a student, be it undergrad or PhD student, is very helpful when they want to do some kind of research or some kind of understanding to get what they want immediately, so that they can excel in their work," said the researcher.

Cross-border studies are also foundational to forming academic partnerships between China and India, but experts say that even greater outreach and engagement are needed.

"It will be more possible if there is a higher level, not just the people-to-people level, but (if) we see the authorities from both sides interact, and university-to-university interactions, in that case, there would be a lot of confidence building," said Nishith Shah, principal of India China Academy.

More Indian students choose Chinese universities for quality education