Trolley cars rolling again on ancient Qianmen Street

BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Chinese media) -- Two old-fashioned trolley

cars began operating again on the 600-year-old Qianmen Street on Thursday after

a nearly 50 year hiatus.

Anold-fashioned trolley caris seenat Qianmen Street on Thursday. Two old-fashioned trolley cars began operating again on the 600-year-old Qianmen Street on Thursday after a nearly 50 year hiatus.(Chinese media Photo)
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"Qianmen No.1" and "Qianmen No.2", painted in

traditional style, run between two stations from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the

840-meter-long street.

The journey takes 10 minutes and costs 20 yuan (2.9

U.S. dollars).

The cars, known as "Dangdang cars" by old Beijingers

for the sound of the bell, first appeared in the city in 1924. They were

replaced by buses in the 1960s.

The trolleys are the only vehicles allowed to run on

Qianmen Street, the capital's ancient commercial center. It was reopened in

August after a year of renovation. The trolleys are mainly used to attract

tourists.

They are handicap accessible and equipped with

televisions.