Beijing 1990 Vs 2020 -

The hutong still exist, but they are a preserved artifact, a Disneyland of tradition. Most original residents have been moved to high-rise suburbs in Huilongguan or Tiantongyuan. The remaining hutong have been "renovated"—which often means replacing old brick with polished grey concrete, installing fiber-optic cables, and fixing plumbing. The public toilets now have heated seats and hand dryers. But the soul has changed. The narrow lanes are now filled with craft beer bars, boutique hotels, and vegan cafes run by entrepreneurs in skinny jeans. To live in a hutong in 2020 is a status symbol for the wealthy, not a necessity for the poor.

The 2008 Summer Olympics, which were held in Beijing, marked a major turning point in the city's development. The games brought international attention to the city, and catalyzed a wave of investment in infrastructure, transportation, and urban development. beijing 1990 vs 2020