Past makes perfect present

Living in a street across from the neighborhood for more than 20 years, Wang Wenyang, vice-chairman of the China Artistic Photography Society and one of the retired photojournalists, used his camera to record the lives of the people in the area.

"Amid the city's hustle and bustle, it is lovely to be able to capture the warmth of human bonds and heartwarming moments," Wang says. Covering about 37 hectares, Miaoying is one of Beijing's traditional neighborhoods that keep the ancient city's authentic flavor.

In recent years, it has undergone a thoughtful transformation. While maintaining its historical charm, it has embraced modernity, attracting a wave of young entrepreneurs and creatives. More than 20 shops now line the winding alleyways, the aroma of freshly baked baguettes blending with the scent of traditional Beijing-style stews.