Beijing: Friends Say It's Surprisingly 'Shabby'. Seriously?!
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Yeah, they're all old houses.
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It's true, they're quite run-down. The south side of the city often gets neglected.
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If such places exist, they must be tucked away in some obscure corner.
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Cities with a deep history are often like that.
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We locals are pretty unpretentious too. Summer means tank tops and shorts, winter is all about black puffer jackets, and spring/autumn brings out the windbreakers. We don't bother with makeup either – mostly because we're lazy.
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It's definitely run-down. Seriously, don't bother coming.
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After being here for a year, I feel like I've time-traveled 20 years into the past.
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Many residential areas within Beijing's Third Ring Road consist of old buildings, often over 30 years old. The hutongs, being even older, can certainly give off a run-down vibe.
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Excuse me, have all of Beijing's hutongs been gentrified and commercialized into trendy spots? Are they now just filled with tea houses, bars, and coffee shops, or do ordinary residents still live there?
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It really is 'run-down'.
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Cities that developed earlier naturally look older. Beijing's ongoing development is now entering its next phase of renewal, with a focus on becoming a 'garden city.' Other cities, which once emulated Beijing by building skyscrapers and consequently lost their local character, might now look to Beijing again in a few years to see if they can learn how to reclaim their unique charm.
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I believe the unique character of the hutongs should be preserved. However, they do need upgrading and beautification, much like how Shanghai has extensively renovated its Shikumen areas.