Old lanes show fates for historical buildings
Print Edition
Most cities encounter the dilemma of which old buildings to save and how to save the most significant buildings and neighborhoods. Hangzhou is no exception.
Some groups of Hangzhou’s old buildings were restored successfully and became new scenic spots for tourists, like the blocks located on Hefang Street and Xiaohezhi Street, where residences were renovated, residents moved in and a variety of shops prospered.
But some are faced with being near collapse and a date with the wrecking ball due to a lack of upkeep and renovation. Old residential buildings are sometimes like seniors who have witnessed years of changes in Hangzhou but now are forgotten by modern society.
Shanghai Daily picks a few historical blocks that typify the different destinies of old buildings, which often hold fascinating stories that can impart the city’s history.
Xiaoying Lane(小营巷)
Xiaoying Lane, linked to Mashi Street to the west and Yinqiangban Lane to the east, epitomizes successful renovation of historical residences.
Nearly 70 percent of the buildings on the lane are old dwellings, including two protected relics, Qian Xuesen’s Former Residence and Palace of the Ting Prince of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, an oppositional state in China (1851-1864).
Qian Xuesen (1911-2009) was a scientist who made important contributions to the missile and space programs of both the United States and China. The Palace of the Ting Prince maintains its original appearance characterized by up-turned eaves, carved beams and painted rafters. Today, it is a rest home for the elderly.
More than 50 years ago, Xiaoying Lane became famous overnight.
In the 1950s, the Chinese government launched a movement aimed at improving national public sanitation. One day in 1958, Chairman Mao Zedong dropped in at Xiaoying Lane and praised its adherence to the Patriotic Health Campaign, which made the lane noted around China.
For years, local government has focused on improving the lane’s infrastructure, increasing green areas, painting residential buildings and rejuvenating the relics. A small park was carved out in the center of the block.
Now, people entering the lane are enchanted by the classic Hangzhou-style community and its white walls and black roofs.
Sixin Lane(思鑫坊)
The blocks on Sixin Lane are of traditional shikumen (stone-gate house) construction. Shikumen is a traditional Shanghainese architectural style that combines Western and Chinese elements, resembling Anglo-American terrace houses or townhouses, distinguished by high brick walls enclosing a narrow front yard.
The lane was elaborately designed 100 years ago by a silk merchant, Chen Xingong. Sixin Lane’s location was considered by Chen as the treasure of feng shui, a Chinese philosophy harmonizing human existence with the surrounding environment, due to its location near West Lake.
He built 48 shikumen with stylish decor like wood floors and suspended ceilings. Chen rented these shikumen to up-and-coming residents at high prices.
At the time, Sixin Lane was a fairly wealthy area. Many well-known people settled there, including influential people from education and finance.
Later, Chen died and his sons inherited the houses. Unfortunately, the sons were addicted to gambling, and dissipated the father’s wealth. The Chen family left and other people took over the shikumen.
In Hangzhou natives’ eyes, Sixing Lane symbolized the history of the Republic of China (1911-1949). But the old lane has suffered in recent years. Dozens of food stalls have popped up there, making the lane polluted with waste oil and leftovers.
Residents are waiting for a comprehensive renovation, hoping to bring back the area’s glory days.
Shaohua Lane(韶华巷)
Shaohua Lane hasn’t escaped demolition. Nowadays, only old Hangzhou locals remember the lane as it was. When people visit its original location, they see little more than a construction site.
Compared with elegant Nanshan Road nearby, Shaohua Lane was less sophisticated and had fewer inhabitants, so it was more vulnerable to being torn down.
Not all of the folk houses are gone, however. Lu Weizhao’s Former Residence and several Hangzhou style bungalows still remain.
Lu was a renowned educator, painter and calligrapher. Government plans call for restoration of Lu’s housein the near future.
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