In a relentless drive to 'improve' the city, to prepare for the 2008 games, to rebuild, and redevelop it seems that the city of Beijing will lose some of its character.

In the 1980s the city boasted 3,679 hutongs (alleyways) that seemed a maze to outsiders and home to those who lived in shanties attached to them.

A recent field study found that in the push to 'better' the city only 430 of the hutongs have been able to preserve their original character.

As early as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) the city is said to have had 458 such alleyways. The number grew to 978 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

I am happy that I have had the opportunity to get lost in the hutongs when I was in Beijing a few years back. Chances are that when I go back to visit for the Games I won't get the opportunity to lose my way again.

Improvement is good….but it comes with a loss…in this case a loss of character.

What do you think?

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