Beijing has launched a massive project to preserve its typical
old-style houses that cover an area of more than two million square
meters, a senior city official said Friday.
It
is the Chinese capital's largest protection effort in this regard,
according to the official.
Siheyuan, or houses built on four sides of courtyards, were
the most common residences for Beijing people in the past, but they
are in danger of vanishing as modern buildings expand rapidly and
require more space.
Beijing aims to save 400 separate courtyard houses highlighted in
the city's protection plan for ancient town areas which was drawn
up in 2002.
Large sections of Hutongs, small narrow alleys connecting
Siheyuan, have been protected since the 1990s.
The Sanyanjing Siheyuan block, north of the Forbidden City,
would be properly renovated to show the traditional layout and
architectural charms of the courtyard houses, said the official in
charge of the project.
(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2003)