To Cao Yuejin, member of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning, however, protection is just the first step.

"We would encourage some people in the inner city to move out," he said, adding that the relocation would be optional. "The encouragement includes compensation, privilege in buying low-cost houses, etc," he said.

A report by the China News Service suggests that population in the inner city is about 1.8 million. Population density of the city has become three to five times of that in major western cities like London and New York.

But this takes time. "Facilities, especially educational institutes and hospitals, in the outer city should be well developed so as to ensure a better life for people there," said Kong Fanzhi.

Talking about the Olympic Games slated for this August, the director has a wish. "I hope foreigners would not only visit the Forbidden City, but spare some time to take a stroll in the old Hutongs, so that they could have a deeper understanding of the profound Chinese culture."

Yang Li, the old lady, also has a wish. "I want to watch th

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