The Protection and Renovation Projects in Jingshan Jiedao, Beijing

Jingshan Jiedao, located next to the Forbidden City and Jingshan, is a part of the imperial city culture display area and an important component of the central axis of Beijing. In order to protect the Beijing old city, Jingshan Jiedao focuses on improving the living environment in the hutongs and courtyards by a number of projects, including the improvement of alleys and small spaces, request-based rent withdrawal, historical building protection, construction of public service facilities and infrastructures.

Background 

In the Detailed Control Plan for the Functional Core Area of the Capital (Block Level) (2018-2035) approved by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council in 2020, it is proposed that Beijing will promote the protection and regeneration of historic neighborhoods through the construction of public spaces and the control of cityscape. The functional core area of Beijing will be a first-class district with an excellent government environment, cultural charm, and a first-class living environment.

At present, the old city of Beijing is facing many problems, including high density, lack of public space, cramped living space, and lack of high-quality urban infrastructure. There are also some land uses, architectural styles and qualities that do not adapt to the historical and cultural environment of Beijing old city. Therefore, to improve the built environment of the old city, Jingshan Jiedao applied a series of protection and renewal projects.

Project 1: No. 35 Huanghuamen Street 

In 2020, Dongcheng District launched the "Beautiful Courtyard" pilot project. The courtyard of No. 35 Huanghuamen Street was applied by Jingshan Jiedao to be one of the pilots, and the neighborhood planner team was entrusted to improve the living environment of the courtyard. 

To improve the living condition of old courtyard, projects on drainage, ground paving and building facades were applied. At the same time, the renewal project constructed more flower ponds and public spaces to improve the neighborhood environment.

Project 2: Zhaojunsheng Market

Zhaojunsheng Market, which opened in 2002, is an important food market for residents in Jingshan Jiedao and its surrounding areas. Before the renovation, this building is old and with low sanitary quality, also its architectural style did not fit the surrounding historical buildings. The renovation projects focused on its building facades, colors, lights, and types of business.

Project 3: Corner Tower No. 9 Cultural Hostel

Corner Tower Cultural Hostel is located in Zhonglao Hutong. People can see the Corner Tower of the Forbidden City from this hostel. However, the appearance of hostel buildings is inconsistent with the historic style of the block. The renewal projects focused on restoring the original layout, and improving courtyard landscape and building facades. After the renewal, the hostel can provide a better experience for its customers, and also contribute to the historical urban landscape of Beijing old city. 

Project 4: Street facade renovation 

Since 2017, there have been more than one hundred alleys and streets in Jingshan Jiedao renovated. The renovation focused on the building facades, ground paving, public space and infrastructures in these streets.  

Source:<http://ghzrzyw.beijing.gov.cn/zhengwuxinxi/zxzt/wsghs/2021dej/d8j/202201/t20220113_2590730.html>

Edited and translated by Jia Mengyuan