Hutongs, or traditional alleys, are a living icon of Beijing.

People live and mingle here. In recent years, they've established a new mechanism to better manage community affairs.

In these neighborhoods, a courtyard meeting hall has been established, where residents can discuss and decide their own affairs.

Experienced and willing residents are elected to participate in community governance.

As of July 2021, Beijing has more than 3,100 such courtyard meeting halls.