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.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2006)