Xi Jinping Urges Organic Integration of Tradition and Modernity in Beijing Historic District

On February 10, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the historic Longfu Temple (Longfusi) district in Beijing's Dongcheng District, reinforcing central policy guidelines on urban historical conservation. During his tour, Xi highlighted the need for Beijing to organically integrate its millennial cultural heritage with modern urban life. The visit highlights China's ongoing policy shift away from large-scale demolition toward micro-renovation and 'embroidery-style' urban updating that preserves historic street textures while introducing modern retail and cultural experiences.

The transformation of Beijing's Longfu Temple district reflects China's evolving national strategy for urban planning and historic preservation. Rather than prioritizing rapid real estate redevelopment, policymakers are increasingly emphasizing the preservation of historic streetscapes, traditional time-honored brands, and intangible cultural heritage as pillars of urban revitalization and domestic consumption.

On February 10, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the Longfu Temple (Longfusi) street district in Beijing's Dongcheng District, underscoring official policy imperatives to balance historical conservation with modern urban development, state media reported. During the visit, Xi toured local vendor stalls, recalled visiting the location repeatedly during his youth, and purchased traditional specialty foods and cultural products. Commenting on the neighborhood's lively atmosphere, Xi remarked that Longfu Temple possesses deep historical and cultural roots that must be inherited and promoted. As a capital with a thousand-year history, Beijing must organically integrate its tradition with modernity, Xi stated. The Longfu Temple neighborhood carries significant historical weight in Beijing's urban memory. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the area was renowned for hosting vibrant temple fairs. Following the founding of the People's Republic of China, it transformed into the Dongsi People's Market, and later into the Longfu Building during the reform and opening-up era, becoming one of the capital's major commercial centers before activity gradually slowed in the 1990s. In 2012, municipal authorities launched an urban renewal project for the district that has spanned over a decade. According to Ding Wenli, chairman of Beijing Xinlongfu Cultural Investment Co., Ltd., the planning scheme underwent more than ten revisions to retain the original hutong texture, street networks, courtyard scales, and historical relics. Developers adopted an 'embroidery' approach to micro-renovation rather than broad demolition and reconstruction, balancing historical preservation with structural updates. Today, the renovated district combines traditional architectural elements with modern culture and retail. Alongside historic local eateries such as Fengnian Guanchang and Yaoji Chaogan, the area houses art galleries, bookstores, theaters, and an intangible cultural heritage section containing over ten traditional craft shops. Traditional brands are also adapting their offerings; Shi Yan, deputy general manager of Beijing Daoxiangcun, noted that the brand's creative retail spaces aim to maintain traditional recipes while delivering updated consumer experiences through interactive workshops. State media noted that Xi has consistently emphasized protecting city cultural roots during inspections in cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Fuzhou, advocating for the preservation of urban historic memory alongside contemporary development.