Source: CCTV.com

01-08-2008 10:13

The largest-ever renovation project on Beijing's traditional alleys or hutongs, is now underway

The largest-ever renovation project on Beijing's traditional alleys, or hutongs, is now underway. The historical symbols have always undergone changes. But this time, respecting history is the key concern. This is one of the many Hutongs around the Forbidden City. They're almost the same age. But while the imperial palace has long been a museum, hutongs still house people.

Liu Shicang's family has lived here for decades. But it was only three months ago they finally got their own in-door bathroom.

Chen Yuying, Liu Shicang's wife, said, "The renovation is great. Our house was completely rebuilt and the government paid the bill. We know it must have cost a lot. The materials used were of good quality. The old wood was rotting, bricks crumbling, but now everything is new."

"Everything is new." This used to worry conservationists. In the late 1990s, in response to a chorus of concern from the general public, China slowed the pace of demolition and set aside 40 protected zones in the city center.

And how to preserve came under hot debate. A mere facelift or a complete renovation? Neither was satisfactory.