Its hutongs have been described as the soul of Beijing. In recent years, the city has focused considerable effort on protecting these ancient alleys, while creating a more comfortable living environment for their residents. The initiative has been supported by President Xi Jinping who, during a visit to a community in the Qianmen area, stated that, "Preserving the Beijing hutongs' cultural heritage and providing residents with a modern way of life are both achievable." Today, the hutongs serve as a striking example of how Beijing, amid its rapid development, is finding ways of protecting its historical roots.