Beijing's Tai'an Li reopens to give visitors a blast from the past

Located in Beijing's Xicheng district, Tai'an Li compound, whose history spans nearly 110 years, reopened to the public earlier this year. It provides a cultural communication platform for visitors by offering various services for the public to link traditional and modern living.

Tai'an Li, which reopened in April this year after two years of renovations, welcomes visitors with a new appearance, having changed from a traditional residence to a culture and art center.

Built in 1914, Tai'an Li is the only preserved shikumen structure in the capital.

"It has significant historic meaning," said Wang Xin, vice-president of Riverine China Holdings Co Ltd, the operator of the Tai'an Li culture and art center.

Shikumen, which translates as "stone warehouse gate", is an architectural style from Shanghai that mixes Chinese and Western elements. Shikumen houses were built in that city from the 1860s to 1930s, usually for families belonging to the middle-income group.

Wang said that Beijing learned about the construction style from Shanghai and brought it to the capital more than 100 years ago.

"The place was the city's 'central business center' during that period," Wang said. "Beijing's first elevator, first taxi as well as many other firsts related to economic development occurred here at that time," he added.

Now, those lane houses have been renovated into bookstores, cafes and an art center, aiming to give visitors a sense of the culture of the past.

"The purpose of utilizing those lane houses is not only to protect them but also to provide public cultural services to society. We hope the place can become a new choice for residents to be entertained and relax. Meanwhile, it is also a window for visitors to experience Beijing's development," said Zeng Fang, an official from the culture and tourism bureau in Xicheng district.

In addition to Tai'an Li, there are 15 old buildings on the list of places to be restored. "Each building will be designed with unique characteristics based on its history and construction style," Zeng said.

Xicheng district, the pioneer in cultural relic restoration, has adopted innovative ideas and invited specialists, professional agencies and the public to join in contributing to protection. So far, six buildings on the list have completed renovation.