An undated photo shows the entrance of an abandoned electric tool factory in the Fangjia Hutong in Beijing, which is being renovated into a new art zone. [File Photo: sohu.com]

If you favor hutongs and enjoy art, a new art district tucked into a centuries-old hutong in Beijing will be right up your alley.

Buildings in an abandoned electric tool factory, located at No.46 Fangjia Hutong in Dongcheng District, are being renovated into loft-style art spaces, similar to those at Beijing's best-known art district, Dashanzi, Beijing Youth Daily reported Monday.

When completed at the end of this month, the new art zone will stretch 13,000 square meters, and will be capable of supporting 50 studios or galleries, the report says.

The hutong art zone will mark a major step for contemporary art to get into Beijing's Second Ring Road, which encircles most of the inner city's historical heritage.

Beijing currently has nine art districts, most of which are far-flung from the downtown area. Dashanzi, for example, is located outside Fourth Ring Road, towards the airport.

(CRI June 5, 2008)