The German “Understanding China” delegation paid a visit to China from November 2 to 15. The delegation consisted of 24 members from various sectors such as economics, education, culture, and law. Coordinated by the BPAFFC, the delegation visited Fuxiang Community of Jiaodaokou Subdistrict, Dongcheng District, to get a deeper understanding of community governance and the everyday life of local people in Beijing.
The members took a tour of the exhibition hall of the Four Hutongs Project and No. 30 Courtyard of Yu’er Hutong. They learned about how Dongcheng District has managed traditional courtyard houses vacated or redeveloped for mixed-use to improve the living conditions of residents, better the environment of hutong areas, and restore their original style.
At the Yuhe Relic Site along the Tonghui River, the delegation took a walk by the first section of Jishuitan in the east of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. They learned about the history of the Yuhe River and the community’s practices in preserving historical sites and reviving the landscape of “waterways running through the streets and alleys.” At the Memorial Hall of Qi Baishi’s Former Residence, the delegation gained insights into the efforts to preserve traditional culture and protect the former residence of famous people.
The delegation was warmly received by the residents, and conducted friendly, in-depth exchanges with resident representatives and community workers after the visit. The delegation members remarked that this visit gave them a detailed knowledge of the day-to-day operations and service mode of the community, and they were deeply impressed by the management of traditional courtyard houses redeveloped for mixed-use and the practices in preserving the hutong culture. They all looked forward to future opportunities to better understand the everyday life of Chinese people and draw on Beijing’s experience in city governance.
