Location: China Length: 23 min
Modernization poses a serious threat to China’s cultural heritage. In three chapters and one bonus feature, Jonah Kessel’s film details this threat to Beijing’s hutong neighborhoods, which date to medieval times. Employing interviews with residents and local planning and cultural heritage professionals, the three chapters are “A Disappearing World,” “David vs. Goliath” and “Beyond the Alleys.” With these chapters is "Welcome to old Beijing," a tour of Beijing’s hutong district. Since this film was made, the area around the drum tower has been demolished.
Produced in 2011 by Jonah Kessel
Copyright 2011 by Jonah Kessel
Web links:
Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP)
Beijing Hutong (Travel China Guide)
History of Beijing (Wikipedia)
Hutong (Wikipedia)