Underground 'time machine' unveils Chinese capital in 1980s

Frozen in time, one walking into the sub-level of the Wangfujing Department Store could easily think they had traveled back in time to Beijing in the 1980s.

Despite its 80s decor, "Heping Guoju" is a modern-day commercial street located on the underground floor of the time-honored department store and landmark in Wangfujing.

Opened on Aug 12, "Heping Guoju" is reputed as a unique "time machine" that can transport visitors back to Beijing in the 1980s by simply taking an elevator.

"That's exactly what my old courtyard looked like," said a visitor in her 70s, who once lived on Wangfujing street decades ago. "My previous home was torn down due to a new urban plan. I miss it so much."

Covering about 2,400 square meters, "Heping Guoju" is also Beijing's first immersive museum combining various forms of its folk cultures including street landscapes, intangible cultural heritage and snacks.

Kong Lujun, the sixth generation in a family of sugar-figure blowers, whose previous store was on Qianmen street, said he was invited to "Heping Guoju" in August.

"This is an ideal place to sell my goods and inherit folk cultures," said Kong.

But for Han Tong, founder of the museum, "Heping Guoju" is far more than a business. "I have a big dream to present how Beijing looked more than 30 years ago." Han said.

Born in the 1980s, Han grew up in a traditional courtyard house and has witnessed many changes in the capital city. "For me, the word 'nostalgia' concerns small objects that record history and memories," said Han.

According to a report published by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources, the number of "Hutong" dwindled to 1,571 in 2003, compared to 3,250 in 1949.