Tea time in historic Beijing: This backyard near the old Drum Tower, where these two men are taking a break, is located in Beijing’s Central Axis (中轴线), which was first created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Called hutongs (胡同) in the capital, the traditional narrow streets have been massively renovated – some say gentrified – in recent years as part of new urban development plans. Many corners have become greener and cleaner, but also significantly more expensive.