With the intention of restoring the capital's old city to its original state, Beijing will evacuate 200,000 residents in the next five years.
The Beijing City Planning Commission recently published the Beijing Municipal Protection Plan for the Legacy of History and Culture during the Eleventh Five-Year Plan Period. This plan not only relates to Beijing's future, but directly influences the daily lives of Beijing residents as well. According to Beijing's General City Plan for 2004 to 2020, the population living in the old city proper will be reduced to 1.1 million from the present 1.8 million, by 2020. An average of 40,000 people will move out every year. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 residents will be moved out from the thronged downtown area during the eleventh five-year period.
The new plan explains that the resident evacuation will be based on a close study of the human ecological system. It will be guided and controlled by the law, economy and administration; and will not destroy social stability and harmony. In the meantime, as evacuation takes place; the city will continue to preserve cultural relics; protect areas of cultural and historical significance; and renovate sections in the old city proper.
All-around preservation---Newly planned applicable area covers 16,410 square kilometers.
Compared with the old preservation plan, the new one stresses complete, all-round preservation; and expands the scope of historical and cultural preservation to the city proper, based on the well-preserved old city.
The key measures taken to protect the old city include the preservation of its physical appearance, resident evacuation, adjusting land application, municipal communication facilities, housing repairs, and the use of underground space. On this basis，the preservation of historical and cultural resources will be put on the agenda. Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park will be re-built through the complete renovation of the surrounding Farming and Weaving Paintings area in the Summer Palace. The Badaling section of the Great Wall is under renovation. The Ming Tombs and other emperors' tombs are under intensified protection. The culture belt along the Jingdong Canal (East of Beijing) is also within the scope of preservation. It is hoped that the suburbs of Beijing will be restored to the old look of the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, and will act as tourist attractions.
Reappearance of the Ancient Capital— The green "凸"-shaped city outline comes into being.
The new plan proposed that the boundaries of the imperial city be restored with a green belt – built as a symbol of western and northern boundaries. The green belt, combined with the renovation of the city moat in the south and north, will restore the ancient city to its "凸"-shape during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Renovation of the axes is important for the restoration of old Beijing. After the complete repair and renovation of surrounding areas, the bell and drum towers, symbols of the northern axis will echo Shichahai to produce the unique scene of the "Back Sea:" a term of endearment known to native Beijing residents.
By People's Daily Online
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