Rediscover Beijing's history aboard the iconic dang-dang bus

Along the Beijing Central Axis, pedestrians can hear the dang-dang sightseeing bus passing by, so named for the copper bell that rings to announce its presence. The cultural mainstay has become more prominent since the area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in July.

Red lanterns sway gently before the windows within the quaint confines of the dang-dang bus. Intricate ancient motifs and tile designs adorn the roof, evoking a nostalgic sense of old Beijing. Above them, images of the Beijing Central Axis' renowned landmarks unfurl a visual narrative of the city's history.

Beside the seats, tables are elegantly laid with an array of culinary delights. Passengers indulge in panoramic views of the Central Axis while sampling the flavors of authentic Beijing snacks.

"The Great Beauty Central Axis Sightseeing Bus features a novel iteration of the classic dang-dang bus," shared Yun Haibing, the director of the Beijing Tourism Distribution Center's market management department.

According to Yun, the dang-dang sightseeing buses date back to the inaugural tram service at Qianmen in 1924. The copper bell was used as a courtesy signal to pedestrians. As the city evolved, the traditional transportation gradually faded from the street.

Today, a revival of these antique-style vehicles, sporting refurbished green or brown exteriors and wooden-framed windows, presents a fresh option for travelers exploring Beijing.

These modern dang-dang buses offer a nostalgic voyage through Beijing's storied past, traversing iconic landmarks like Zhengyangmen, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park.

Since the debut of the Great Beauty Central Axis Sightseeing Bus, 41 such vehicles transport an average of 4,000 visitors daily, underscoring the enduring appeal of this unique experience, said Yun.

The dang-dang buses today are all-electric vehicles with a robust battery life, contributing to the eco-friendly ethos of tourism in Beijing.