Behind modernity---New luxury stands on history at Shijia Hutong
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No. 53, no more eunuchs |
No.20 was the old site of Beijing People's Art Theatre when it was established in the 1950s. Although it has been turned into a big courtyard with recently built apartments, it originally witnessed the hard work and idea crunching about arts performances with such influential civil artists as Cao Yu. The previous size of No. 20 was by no means small. With around 6,000 square meters extending all the way to Ganmian Hutong to its south, this building covered a variety of courtyards in different sizes.
Another person who once lived in this lane is Fu Zuoyi, who was designated the Minister of Water Resources of China after handing over the city of Beijing peacefully to the communist troops in 1949.
In spite of the historical figures who left their footprints on Chinese history, this hutong's preservation chances have never been very optimistic. Because of its proximity to the noisy, crowded Dongdan Beidajie to its west, it is appreciated by businessmen who opened up several hotels and business clubs side along, giving it the title, "the lane of hotels." But beyond the modern luxury surface still float the old faded shadows of history.
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No. 41, now a luxury hotel |
