Dongsi Avenue, located in Dongcheng District inside the second ring road in Beijing, is expected to take on a "new look" by the end of 2020. But as part of the ancient city, instead of getting a modern look, the road is going to be restored to evoke the ancient charm of old Beijing.

According to the planning department of Dongcheng District, the restoration of the avenue will refer to pictures taken in the 1950s and 1960s, with a number of historical sites recovered.

The project comes after the restoration of Yonghe Lamasery Avenue, north of Dongsi Avenue, nears completion.

Restoration of the ancient street

Compared to the Yonghe Lamasery Avenue, which carries more historical and cultural significance, the restoration of Dongsi Avenue will be more commercialized, according to Zhang Hanyu, planner of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, who has participated in the project.

"The ratio of commercial areas along the Yonghe Lamasery Avenue is only around 20 percent, but the on the Dongsi Avenue, the ratio would be 69 percent to 80 percent," said Zhang.

Historically, the area was one of the city's ancient commercial centers. After the restoration, the northern part will largely maintain the traditional style, the middle section will be redone in a fusion, "new Chinese style," and the southern part will be more commercialized with some luxury brands introduced, according to the planner.

Traditional vs. modern

Dongsi Avenue is also distinguished by traditional and historical constructions on its length, such as the site of Duan Qirui's government in the 1920s.

During the restoration, the ancient sites will be restored in accordance with traditional craftsmanship. The ratio of the traditional and modern constructions will be about 50:50. At least 10 historical sites will be resumed.

According to the plan, the restoration project will cover not only the houses along the street, but will be extended some 20-80 meters into the blocks on both sides. The houses and gardens along the avenue will be redesigned as well.

In addition, residents of the avenue can choose how the finished outcome will look. The plan has listed several different patterns of gates and windows, and residents can pick their favorites.

The project is planned to break ground at the end of July, and the avenue, with its new look, is expected to meet visitors by the end of the year.

(Cover image: One of Beijing's ancient hutong alleys. /VCG)