A century ago, Beijing’s first tram service started operation with copper bells that produced clear and crisp rings to signal its arrival and caution pedestrians of its approach. This distinctive “dang” sound become familiar to local residents and eventually earned the tram service’s vehicles the affectionate name of “dangdang” buses. Today, “dangdang” buses can be seen around the capital’s tourist hot spots and still resembling these early trams.On Oct. 15, journalists from various media outlets hopped on a few of these old-fashion buses for a cultural heritage excursion along Beijing’s Central Axis. Starting at Qianmen Street, a popular commercial street located along the axis, the excursion was part of “High-Quality Development Research Trip” interview activities and visited 15 cultural heritage sites. From the moment they stepped onto the buses, participants were fully immersed in the capital’s profound historical heritage.A modern “dangdang” bus with a vintage appearance similar to the original “dangdang” buses in Beijing, China, Oct. 15, 2024.