What can two very different "lines" tell us about Beijing?

One is the centuries-old Central Axis, tracing the history and character of the ancient Chinese capital. The other is the 12345 Citizen Service Hotline, connecting millions of people with the city they call home.

At the 2026 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints, CGTN's Merna Al Nasser follows these two lines to explore how Beijing balances preserving its past with responding to the needs of people today.

Along the way, she speaks with scholars and officials from the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Argentina, Uganda and Tonga, hearing their perspectives on Beijing's approach and what cities around the world can learn from one another.

From ancient hutong (small lane) to modern urban governance, it's a journey through two sides of Beijing, one shaped by history, and one centered on those who call it home.