Beijing in major drive to clean up hutongs

Beijing

THE Chinese capital is sanitising its ancient hutong alleyways, home to millions of migrant workers and thousands of small businesses, bulldozing illegal constructions and forcing shops, bars and tiny courtyard restaurants to relocate or go under.

As part of guidelines unveiled in April, authorities have started to brick in doors of properties along the narrow passageways, many of which date back to the 13th century. They have also cracked down on illegal shopfronts to restore the original facades.

Traditionally a courtyard property has only one entrance.

That means shops on a property are not allowed to create or maintain additional entrances. On top of that, authorities have stopped issuing new commercial licences in Beij…