Alleys offer combination of rich history and modern charm

Yangmeizhu West Street

It is a traditional Beijing hutong alley lined by single-story residences in Dashilan, a busy commercial area of the capital's Xicheng district, and is about 500 meters away from Tian'anmen Square.

Originally called Yangmei West Street and named after a female matchmaker, it was renamed Yangmeizhu West Street－the street of poplars, plums and bamboo in Chinese－early last century.