Fresh hope in Beijing's heritage protection struggle
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The critical feature of these areas is that they have grown organically, driven by small businesses and local traders. They are embryonic examples of the kind of innovative, dynamic and competitive industries the government is seeking to develop in the next stage of reform and opening-up.
Last week, it was also announced that the proposed renovation of the area around Beijing's Drum and Bell Towers will be scaled down. The proposal to develop 12.5 hectares of the city's most important hutong into something called the "Beijing Time Cultural Museum" had provoked alarm in some quarters.
Furthermore, it was announced last week that the central government will increase State architectural preservation funding and capabilities. Together, these developments suggest China may be reaching a turning point in its attitudes toward cultural preservation.
But the threats to China's cultural heritage have by no means disappeared. Outside Beijing, the situation remains critical. Huge swathes of traditional housing in Shanghai were affected by this year's World Expo. Throughout China, there are countless sites in need of greater protection.
But in Beijing, the arguments for conservation are seemingly beginning to prevail. The next step is to encourage more imaginative and productive uses of important urban spaces.
For example, cars should be banned from Nanluoguxiang, as there is simply not enough room for both cars and pedestrians. Meanwhile, the plaza between the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, one of the most impressive open spaces in Beijing and a globally unique site for outdoor restaurants and events, is currently used as a coach park.
We should continue to support attempts to bring greater innovation and sustainability to built environments throughout China.
The author is a Beijing-based British freelance writer specializing in Chinese political economy. forum@ globaltimes.com.cn
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