The Xinhua news agency reports that Beijing authorities will soon begin the large-scale urban renovation to protect ancient relics “while improving the local residents living environment”. But before the project can begin, thousands of residents of Beijing’s old quarter will have to leave their homes and move elsewhere.
Mei Ninghua, director of the Beijing Cultural Relics Bureau said, “the renovation of the old city area, where relic sites are concentrated, will involve the relocation of hundreds of households and units. Beijing will properly carry out the relic protection and urban construction in order to meet the goal of combining modern and ancient styles for its urban planning”.
Within the designated area around the Forbidden City, there are 295 official relic sites which will be opened for tourists before the 2008 Summer Games, said Mei.
Several other areas of old Beijing, which features winding alleyways known as “hutongs” have already been demolished in recent weeks.
And inhabitants say that officials have often resorted to intimidation to force them to leave.
