According to Yun, the dang-dang sightseeing buses date back to the inaugural tram service at Qianmen in 1924. The copper bell was used as a courtesy signal to pedestrians. As the city evolved, the traditional transportation gradually faded from the street.

Today, a revival of these antique-style vehicles, sporting refurbished green or brown exteriors and wooden-framed windows, presents a fresh option for travelers exploring Beijing.

These modern dang-dang buses offer a nostalgic voyage through Beijing's storied past, traversing iconic landmarks like Zhengyangmen, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park.

Since the debut of the Great Beauty Central Axis Sightseeing Bus, 41 such vehicles transport an average of 4,000 visitors daily, underscoring the enduring appeal of this unique experience, said Yun.

The dang-dang buses today are all-electric vehicles with a robust battery life, contributing to the eco-friendly ethos of tourism in Beijing.