Beijing will move all residents out of Siheyuan to better
protect this kind of traditional four-sided enclosed yards in the
next five years, a government official said on Wednesday.
Currently, many of the Siheyuan courtyards have turned
dilapidated and some are in danger of possible collapse, said Mei
Ninghua, director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage
Bureau.
Mei said his bureau had decided to move out residents to protect
Siheyuan courtyards.
Siheyuan courtyards, situated along both sides of "hutongs",
narrow alleys, were the most common residences for Beijing people
in the past, but are in danger of vanishing as modern buildings
expand rapidly and require more space.
The courtyards featuring typical classical roofs, decorated with
corridors and old pomegranate trees, often impress visitors with
their grace, tranquility and elegance and are regarded as an
important part of traditional Beijing culture.
Currently, 629 Siheyuan courtyards are under Beijing municipal
government protection and the local cultural heritage bureau plans
to put more such yards under protection in the future.
Mei said that Beijing was drafting a medium and long-term plan
for maintenance and protection of buildings and sites of historical
interest.
The plan is expected to be completed by the end of this year and
become effective starting 2008, Mei said.
According to the plan, all local historical relics which need
repair and protection will be repaired and put under protection in
10 to 15 years.
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(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2006)
