The morning sun gently bathes the gray-walled courtyards of Dajixiang, a new multifunctional complex nestled in the heart of Beijing's historic Xuannan area, a place steeped in centuries of the city's cultural evolution.
One of the courtyards belongs to the restored former residence of Kang Youwei, a late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) reformer who, along with other similarly minded officials, launched what became known as the Hundred Days' Reform. The house stands in stark contrast to the modern office buildings surrounding it, yet remains a visual reminder of the area's storied past. Once a cultural hub for scholars, intellectuals and revolutionaries, this part of Beijing has carried its rich history forward into the present, reminding both locals and visitors of the profound historical transformations that shaped modern China.
Gu Zhong, 66, a local resident, said: "People think this area (Dajixiang) is new, but it's really the soul of the neighborhood. We've seen it change, but it still holds the spirit of the past."
Gu, who has lived in the nearby hutong for over 60 years, fondly recalled his childhood days spent watching Peking Opera and acrobatics in the old neighborhood.
Once a quiet corner of Caishikou in Beijing's Xicheng district, Dajixiang is now a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists, symbolizing the revitalization of Xuannan — an area where history and modern life harmoniously coexist.
Unveiled in May, Dajixiang is just a short walk from Beijing's Central Axis, the city's historic backbone lined with imperial buildings and grand public spaces. The neighborhood once teemed with guildhalls, scholars' residences and vibrant street markets, creating a unique atmosphere known as yan huo qi — the warmth and energy of everyday life.
Visitors can explore the bustling hutong, sample Muslim cuisine in the nearby Niujie, and visit ancient landmarks such as Fayuan Temple, a Tang Dynasty (618-907) landmark, and Huguang Huiguan, or Huguang Guild Hall.
Having stood for more than two centuries, the guild hall is best known for its center stage, where Peking Opera masters such as Mei Lanfang and Tan Xinpei once performed.
Xuannan is a term broadly encompassing the region from Xuanwumen to Guang'anmen, both inside and outside the old city walls — an area whose unique cultural ecosystem is known as "Xuannan culture".
As the renowned Qing Dynasty historian Dai Yi once said, Xuannan may not have the grand palaces and lush gardens of the imperial city or the tranquil elegance of the western suburbs, but it has long been the gathering place of Beijing's intellectual elites, leaving a legacy of historical landmarks that speaks to the heart of China's modern transformation.
Nowhere in Xuannan does that legacy live more strongly than the Beijing Xuannan Cultural Museum, which is located within the historic Changchun Temple from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
"Xuannan is not just a place — it's a living cultural concept," said Song Meili, executive director of the museum. "It's tied deeply to the development of Beijing and the patriotism of the scholars who shaped the city's identity. The values they championed influenced China's modernization and continue to inspire today."
The museum goes beyond mere artifacts and exhibits, offering an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional Peking Opera performances and interactive theater, which provide a taste of the neighborhood's rich artistic traditions — a living connection between the past and present, and a defining feature of this community.
chennan@chinadaily.com.cn
