Old memories of Longfu Temple neighborhood bring new life to Beijing

Beijing is breathing new life into one of its oldest quarters, transforming the Longfu Temple neighborhood into a vibrant hub where historic memories blend with modern lifestyle.

The capital city has been moving beyond building new attractions, focusing instead on revitalizing historic neighborhoods. The Longfu Temple area, with nearly 600 years of history, is now a gathering space for culture, commerce, and community, drawing both locals and visitors looking for something authentic.

For many Beijing residents, Longfu Temple is woven into everyday life, not just a tourist attraction.

"Back then, our factory handed out movie tickets. So, we'd all come to the workers' club here to watch films," recalled one longtime resident.

"I'd come here to buy shoes as a kid," said another local.

"I used to come here when I was in my 30s. This area was filled with snack stalls back then," shared a third.

Now, the neighborhood's look has changed dramatically. People aren't just coming to check out another city landmark. Instead, many stop in for coffee or simply enjoy people-watching amid the city buzz.

That renewed vibe is benefiting local businesses.

"I'm really fond of this neighborhood. I grew up nearby and have a deep affection for this place. So I opened my shop here. Longfu Temple feels just like classical old Beijing hutongs, perfect for wandering around. This is how we've shopped since childhood," said Wang Yin, the owner of Winus.

What sets Longfu Temple apart is how it maintains authentic local life. Unlike many tourist destinations where local culture gets overshadowed, tourism here hasn't replaced everyday routines. Residents still shop for groceries while visitors get to experience Beijing the way locals do. Just a few walks away, narrow hutongs unfold alongside one of the city's oldest markets, with restaurants serving traditional local dishes tucked in between.

Summer activities are bringing even more energy, with live performances and pop-up markets inviting people to return again and again, not just to sightsee, but to linger and connect.

"I like it a lot. It's very nice, very clean, very peaceful. It's near the hutong and sightseeing places as well. So it is very convenient," said one visitor.

Longfu Temple's true appeal, say locals and newcomers alike, lies in its living spirit, where each generation leaves behind new memories in a timeless setting. As one resident put it: the best destinations aren't just visited, they're lived.

Old memories of Longfu Temple neighborhood bring new life to Beijing

China's top court on Thursday issued a set of provisions, marking the first judicial interpretation supporting the country's Ecological and Environmental Code.

The provisions are designed to ensure a smooth legal transition between old and new laws and the full and accurate implementation of the Code.

The provisions will take effect simultaneously with the Code on Aug. 15, according to the Supreme People's Court.

Consisting of 13 articles, the provisions clarify the general standards and specific rules for courts to apply old and new laws when hearing environmental cases after the Code takes effect.

They stipulate that, in principle, cases based on the facts that occurred before the Code takes effect will generally be handled under the laws and judicial interpretations then in force, while those arising afterward will be governed by the Code.

"For illegal acts such as environmental pollution and ecological damage that occurred before the code becomes effective, where the offender has taken the initiative to eliminate or mitigate the harmful consequences, effectively implemented ecological and environmental restoration measures, promptly paid compensation, or taken other similar measures, the provisions of the code may be applied to impose a lighter or mitigated penalty. This aims to actively encourage offenders to voluntarily fulfill their ecological restoration and compensation responsibilities, thereby better protecting the ecological environment," said Yang Linping, vice president of the Supreme People's Court.

The Ecological and Environmental Code was adopted by China's top legislature in March.

The 1,242-article Code has five chapters, covering areas including pollution control, ecological protection, and green and low-carbon development.

The Code is aligned with China's pledges to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

China issues judicial interpretation on Ecological and Environmental Code