Beijing’s new urban plan pushes to preserve historic infrastructure

China 24

Beijing's new urban plan pushes to preserve historic infrastructure

The new Beijing Urban Master Plan stresses the importance of preserving the city’s history. Now China’s capital is taking steps to save its famous alleyways, known as “hutongs”.  CGTN’s Su Yuting reports.

For many resident in Beijing, living conditions have improved. The government has dismantled unauthorized structures. Old buildings have also been renovated. The city has worked to improve infrastructure in its narrow alleys, while ensuring that the historical and cultural value isn’t lost.

Beijing takes urban planning, development, and management seriously. The buildings should meet design requirements in terms of shape, color, scale and height.

The recent Beijing urban planning document stressed the protection of historical areas within the more than 3,000-year-old city. The government has made unprecedented efforts to deal with illegally constructed buildings in the city’s narrow alleys and major streets in order to improve the overall environment.

This year, Xicheng and Dongcheng districts in the center of the city plan to relocate current residents from 26 historical buildings, such as ancient guild halls, temples, and former residences of historical figures.

Authorities also said the new policy is not a one-size-fits-all requirement. It will be implemented step by step according to the actual conditions of residential areas. They also stressed that residents’ opinions would be taken into consideration and that their legitimate rights and interests would be protected.


Yan Song discusses Beijing’s Urban Master Plan

Yan Song is the Director of the Program on Chinese Cities at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. CGTN’s Mike Walter asked her about the obstacles to urban planning in Beijing.