For Tanhualin, the renewal is about more than preserving individual buildings. By bringing museums, theaters, creative businesses and public spaces into the historic quarter while retaining its original streetscape and residential character, the project is giving the neighborhood new vitality without losing its connection to the past.

　　As visitors explore its lanes and residents continue their daily routines, the old quarter is finding new ways to remain part of the city's heartbeat.

　　Contact the writers at liukun@chinadaily.com.cn