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)