Traditional compound reopens for modern style

Following a comprehensive two-year renovation, the nearly 110-year-old Tai'an Li compound in Beijing's Xicheng district has been revitalized, now bridging traditional and modern living while also serving as a launch pad for young entrepreneurs.

Once filled with chaotic and crowded residential buildings, Tai'an Li reopened in April 2023, transformed into a venue for cafes, live action role-playing games, restaurants and an art center, aiming to combine its profound history with modern lifestyle.

"It's really amazing and unbelievable to find an old Shanghai-style building among Beijing's hutong," said Liu Xiaojun, a tourist who discovered Tai'an Li when wandering the streets.

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

Shikumen, which translates into "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 middle-income families.

Beijing brought the construction style to the capital more than 100 years ago as a part of Xiangchang New District, a pilot area for revitalizing Beijing during the 1911-49 period.

"It was a purely common residential building before the renovation. Now, more people got to know this building and its hidden stories, including local residents," said Wu Xinyuan, a local citizen and one of the business owners in Tai'an Li.

"I believe it has a promising future for business, since it contains many cultural elements and is supported by the government's cultural relic revitalization policy," Wu said.

Wu's business offers many trendy cultural activities here, such as yoga, cafes and art exhibitions, trying to let customers enjoy a one-stop cultural experience while feeling its profound history.

"We want these buildings not only to be protected but also to be reused and to flourish," said Zeng Yaqi, manager of the planning and operations department of Beijing Xuanfang Dahou Investment Management, which runs the compound.

"The local government provides us a low-interest credit line of 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) and allows more institutions to get involved in the protection and utilization of Tai'an Li," Zeng added.

According to the company, Tai'an Li receives 1,500 people on weekdays and 3,000 to 4,000 on weekends, with visitors primarily attending cultural events and appreciating the buildings.

In the future, Tai'an Li will integrate more cultural and historic elements into business development, making it a better place for citizens to be entertained, relaxed and educated.

Xicheng district, the pioneer in cultural relic restoration, has adopted innovative ideas and invited all sectors of society to join in this common endeavor.

The Shichahai Scenic Area in Xicheng district has been listed on Beijing's first batch of demonstration zones for the protection and use of cultural heritage resources on Monday, showing the district's outstanding performance in cultural relics protection.

Li Boyu and Zhu Sidi contributed to this story.