Beijing's ancient camel stop revived as tourism hot spot

Preserving the past

Zheng Tengfei is manager of Gudao Sicun, a courtyard that has a folk culture exhibition, displays and a cafe that highlights the attractions of the ancient trail. When visitors enter the venue they can refer to a copper cast map that takes them to exhibition halls and leads them to explore the displays on their own.

The property was a grain store during the planned economy era from 1949 to 1978, then a pharmacy, and a Taoist temple, before finally being renovated into the courtyard.

Zheng, 34, a native of Fengtai district, in Beijing, said that he hadn't intended to open a cafe in Shijingshan, particularly during the pandemic. However, when a friend told him about the Moshikou area's upgrade and the popularity of outdoor activities there, he changed his mind.

"We didn't plan for the coffee shop to be a standard, commercial urban cafe, and admittedly we couldn't produce that large quantity of coffee per day," said Zheng. "At most, we are able to sell about 300 cups of coffee per day, and on weekends, around 200 cups a day. On weekdays, we sell only about 80 to 100 cups.

"But after the major face-lift and the overall upgrade of Moshikou, and I was part of it, I believe the area is aesthetically different now," he added.

Zhang Hao is planning and design manager for the Moshikou renewal project. Starting in 2020, the Shijingshan district government began the transformation of the area, focusing on preserving its cultural heritage, enhancing residents' living environment and diversifying businesses.

"There are lots of residential courtyards on both sides of Moshikou Street, and our primary goal is to add more modern elements to the area while maintaining the original style of the neighborhood," he said.

"We didn't want to create a uniform old neighborhood, but an area that can reflect the changes of time and even leave contemporary memories," he added.

On the east side of Moshikou Street, Jingxi Shuju bookstore offers an ideal place for visitors to read and socialize. The bookstore's sloping green tile roof, bridge-like wooden structure and a large glass curtain form an inviting interior.

Zuo Yan, manager of the state-owned bookstore, said that the store structure had integrated an underground water pump house and the district's transformer substation. While these facilities are not immediately apparent to visitors, they provide a space that incorporates modern elements.

"It's become a must-see place for tourists visiting Moshikou," said Zuo. "Our bestselling books are historical and cultural ones, covering the history and folklore of western Beijing, especially on our street."

Lao She's books also sell well, she added.

Zuo said that the premises also host book-sharing sessions that feature cultural and creative products, as well as displaying artistic works related to Fahai Temple.