Apr 22 2008
Photo Blog: Hutong
Hutong means an old Chinese village. Beijing used to have a lot when I came to settle here three and a half years ago. But now, due to the Olympic brouhaha and the government's desire to develop the capital into a world-class and international melting pot of cultures, a lot WERE tsai-ed (demolished) to pave the way for modernization. Tall buildings are a little farther from this area as the picture shows.
This photo is taken at the top of the Drum Tower in Guloudajie. This area, as my students say, is protected by UNESCO. I guess so. There are indeed a lot of hutongs around here but most residential courtyards are already renovated. There is still an air of ancientness where old people hang outside with their comrades. The narrow alleyways are the rendezvous of senior citizens who play chess, chat or just merely looking at the passersby-- a lot are foreigners who are desperately searching for the good 'ol Beijing!
Happy Earth Day!
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