Miniature magic

The exhibition will present small replicas of local architectural icons, such as the Palace Museum－the former imperial residence that's also known as the Forbidden City－and the capital's zigzagging hutong (traditional alleyways).

Such structures are inhabited by about 6,000 figurines-"residents" from all walks of life that feature vivid facial expressions.

And 3-D models, holograms and projection maps are also used to depict Beijing's history.

It will be the second Little Big City, after the first opened in Berlin last summer.

"The attraction targets the general public, especially families, because it contains education through entertainment," Little Big City Beijing's general manager Wang Rui says.

"Beijingers will be able to conjure their memories of the city. And tourists can immerse themselves in the city's history in a way that's akin to time travel."