Flow Year N.2 Imperial City -- The Vanishing Hutongs

Author: Qiu Yang, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The changes in Beijing truly surpass people's imagination. In just a few months or even days, coordinates on the map can vanish, turning into dust on construction sites. This ancient city is filled with so many new things that they obscure its original appearance. The feeling of hutongs and siheyuan, the narrow alleys and ordinary homes, seems like it was just yesterday, yet many memories lack a physical place to revisit.
Half a year has passed since the publication of the first issue of the "Flow of Time" thematic series, "The Ancient City, an Unforgettable Memorial." Our editorial has been well-received by many readers who love Beijing. However, as this was our first attempt at such a topic, there were bound to be omissions and regrets. The second issue of "Flow of Time," titled "The Imperial Capital, the Vanishing Ancient Charm," serves as a supplement and refinement to the first. We strive to tell and commemorate the fragments of this millennium-old city through more vivid topics.
Facing the large-scale demolition and construction in the city, we hope to record the views within our reach today—even if they are mere fragments of physical remnants or the bustling folk culture that has vanished from the environment. In the first issue, we had an article with photos of Zhuan Hutong from over a year ago. At that time, the western entrance of Zhuan Hutong had just begun to be demolished, with ruins scattered everywhere. A few days ago, when I revisited Zhuan Hutong, I found that the western half of the hutong had completely disappeared, with demolition extending from the western entrance, Ren'en Hutong, all the way to Lu Xun’s former residence. Fortunately, Lu Xun’s former residence was spared for now, but Zhang Henshu’s former residence to the west has been lost forever.
Zhuan Hutong and nearby Fengsheng Hutong, Wuding Hutong, and others are among Beijing’s most historically significant hutongs. Zhuan Hutong itself dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, having accompanied the city’s urban journey. However, this area is now fragmented, with many exquisite grand mansions torn down, leaving only isolated concrete and steel structures that lack historical context. After all, history cannot be repeated.
Today, authentic elements in Beijing are becoming increasingly rare. Walking down the streets, whether towering buildings or wide avenues, all seem familiar. Uniformity has become the city’s norm, crude designs replacing cultural continuity, and the warm, simple beauty can only be found in old photographs. In recent years, Beijing has lost too much of its tradition—hutongs have been demolished one after another, and fake antiques have been built in their place. Su’anbo is gone, the Flower Market is gone, South Xiaojie is gone, and Meishijie is gone. The rough Yongding Gate has been rebuilt, and an awkward Zhengyang Bridge archway has been erected.
Recently, there were reports that the former residence of Cao Xueqin, which was demolished years ago for the construction of the Liangmao Road, would be rebuilt. Back then, many appeals were made, but no real cultural relic was preserved. Now, however, people are spending public funds to build a fake antique—whether it’s right or wrong is clear as day. In this process of demolition and construction, Beijing’s culture is gradually becoming blurred, to the point where I sometimes wonder, as I walk down a wide street, “Is this really Beijing?”
Beijing should not be just about imperial grandeur; it should have more of a folk spirit, a collection of ordinary people’s stories and legends. The "Flow of Time" before you attempts to bring history as close to the people as possible, through a series of vivid articles.
Words about the ancient city of Beijing will temporarily end with this issue. Starting with the next issue, we will explore new topics. We hope our words can leave some tangible records and memorable reflections for this city. "Flow of Time" will always carry a responsibility—to bring the people the greatest possible truth.