Joined at the Hipster: Bei and Nan Luogu Xiang To Merge

Over the years, trendspotters have been trying to label everywhere from Wudaoying Hutong to Fangjia Hutong as the “New Nanluogu Xiang.” Turns out the reality is much closer to home: Gulou area officials today announced proposals that will lead to the reunification of Nanluogu Xiang and Beiluogu Xiang. The new street will be named simply “Luogu Xiang.”

The two alleyways have been estranged for decades, but a deal has been struck between the feuding neighbors that will see Beijing’s coolest hutongs linked by a new pedestrian walkway bisecting Gulou Dongdajie. The thoroughfare will be elevated by a new bridge, soaring above the new Luogu Xiang to create what authorities hope will become a “tunnel of culture” linking Beiluo and Nanluo.

Tensions between the two alleyways have reached a breaking point in recent years as Beiluogu Xiang struggled to keep pace with Nanluo’s rapid commercial development.

The plans have sparked controversy, not least among expats. Jean Richard, a French advisory consultant who lives in the area, said: “I can’t believe it. The division between Nan and Bei is part of Gulou culture. Joining them up will rip apart the fabric of the hutongs. It’s crazy.”

Zhang Xu, who owns vintage store Boom Boom City, said: “I think it’s good for the long-term, but many of our items are branded ‘Nanluogu Xiang’. Now they will be obsolete. When I opened, I planned to have a vintage shop, not one full of historical relics. Now I will need to open a stall in Panjiayuan.”

However, café owner Wilson Meng was cautiously optimistic: “It’s good news. With a longer street there is more opportunity for growth. And it will mean better traffic to the Second Ring Road. I think this could be the new Nanluogu Xiang.”

What do you think? Will this be the death of Gulou? Or something to look forward to? Leave your comments below.