In the narrow lanes, life teaches lessons worth learning for drama of today

In 2009, Yang Yue was just a boy wandering the narrow hutong alleys of Beijing, a place where time seemed to slow down, with his father. One day, he passed the old, unassuming gates of the Central Academy of Drama, nestled deep within the maze of gray-brick lanes in Nanluoguxiang.

At the time, young Yang didn't know that he would return years later — not as an outsider peering through the gates, but as a student walking through them.

Steeped in tradition and artistry, the school has become his second home, a place where his theatrical dreams are given space to grow.

Now in his final year of university, where he is majoring in directing, 22-year-old Yang has spent nearly five years living and training under its roof.

Surrounded by hutong walls, he has discovered not only a mastery of his craft, but also the legacy of the countless artists who have gone before him. The narrow alleys he had once wandered aimlessly have become sources of inspiration, seemingly symbolizing his journey: winding, full of unknowns, yet always leading somewhere meaningful.

"The school is located in a hutong area, which allows me to explore the lives of local Beijingers, from their lifestyles to their dialect," says Yang, who was born and raised in Weihai, Shandong province, and moved to Beijing with his family when he was in middle school.

At first glance, Nanluoguxiang might seem like another tourist area filled with cafes, boutiques and art galleries, but for those who live and work here, the essence of the neighborhood lies in its people — the elderly residents sitting outside their courtyard houses, market vendors calling out to passersby, and young families navigating the complexities of life in Beijing's rapidly evolving urban landscape.

The hutong is a microcosm of human emotion, struggle, joy and connection — everything that theater seeks to portray, and for those studying and teaching at the Central Academy of Drama, its everyday stories are invaluable resources for coming up with characters and plays, and developing performances.

"From the elderly couple who run a small convenience store across from the school, to elderly people going for walks in the hutong, local residents have helped me understand the city," Yang says. "They are my inspiration when I create theater."

Located in Dongmianhua Hutong, a short walk from Nanluoguxiang, the school dates back to 1938. It has produced some of China's most prominent theater artists, directors, actors and actresses. Its proximity to Nanluoguxiang has created a unique synergy between the artistic world of theater and the cultural history of the area, influencing both the neighborhood's development and the trajectory of Chinese performing arts.

On Sept 26, during the opening ceremony for the Nanluoguxiang Theatrical Season 2024 at the Central Academy of Drama, Yang, the boy-turned-artist, performed in a drama titled Butterfly Lovers.

That night, as the gates of the academy opened, another immersive performance unfolded, transforming the campus into a stage illuminated by glowing lanterns. Ushered along specific paths, visitors encountered a series of captivating displays, each celebrating the power and beauty of the performing arts.

According to Tian Xiaodong, deputy director of Dongcheng district's culture and tourism bureau, one of the organizers of the Nanluoguxiang Theatrical Season 2024, this is the 13th edition of the event, which focuses on public accessibility and highlights the integration of theater and urban spaces. The annual event seeks to foster inclusivity through immersive experiences and a lively atmosphere rooted in local culture. Over its history, it has hosted some 1,300 performances and attracted around 300,000 spectators.

"These narrow alleys, filled with history and an enduring sense of community, are more than just pathways — they are living, breathing spaces that influence and inspire the next generation of artists," says Lin Weiran, who enrolled in the Central Academy of Drama's department of dramatic literature in 1996, and now teaches at the school. "With their gray-brick courtyards, modest homes and bustling life, hutong form the backdrop of a culture rooted in simplicity, connection and authenticity. Surrounded by the echoes of history and the rhythms of everyday life, aspiring performers find both artistic challenges and creative fuel."

Lin also says that Nanluoguxiang's history as a traditional hutong stretches back 700 years, making it one of the city's oldest and most iconic neighborhoods. However, it wasn't just a residential hub in the past — like many hutong, it was also home to artists, intellectuals and cultural figures who contributed to Beijing's cultural landscape. For example, the former residences of renowned painter Qi Baishi (1864-1957) and writer Mao Dun (1896-1981) are tucked away in quiet alleys nearby.

"We stage theatrical productions at the school, and people passing by Nanluoguxiang see our posters," says Lin, who is a faculty member. "Some may have never seen a play before, but they might become theater fans after seeing our posters."

Over the years, Nanluoguxiang has attracted a creative crowd, particularly artists, writers and young people passionate about the arts. With its blend of traditional and modern elements, the alley has become a space that encourages the exchange of ideas. For many years, theater students and faculty members from the academy would wander Nanluoguxiang's narrow lanes in search of inspiration, or a quiet place to relax.

"The essence of drama is the portrayal of life, both in its ordinary and extraordinary moments. The hutong offers endless lessons in human behavior. When I walk along Nanluoguxiang, I see so many real-life characters," Lin says. "It's the little details — how people move, interact and express themselves — that make the area such a rich source of inspiration. These are the real stories that actors need to understand when they step onto the stage.

"With its diverse blend of old Beijing traditions and pressures of modernity, Nanluoguxiang is a perfect stage for these observations."