Cloudy in Beijing Blogging about my time in China

Red banners

Seeing a big red banner in your neighborhood is not always a good sign in China. In some cases, it can essentially mean: "Get out now!"

There are a good number of these particular red banners in Laogucheng, a rundown area of homes in Beijing's west side.  A developer is wanting to bulldoze the place and has already started. But about 700 residents have decided to stay put. They won't leave until the developer gives them a better compensation for their homes.

Now red banners hang from some of the buildings in the neighborhood, their messages trying to convince residents to move out. The one pictured above tries to justify the developer's intentions:  "Strengthening the improvement of the city's villages. Moving ahead to restore the environment."

This message stamped on a column next to a demolished building tries to lead by example. It points out: "Party member takes the initiative and is the first to move out."

This message tries to reassure residents that they can come back to the neighborhood once its redeveloped. "Guaranteed return to new residences. Ensure the long-term livelihood." At some level, this all feels a bit like psychological warfare.

While about half of the residents in the neighborhood refuse to leave, the developer has already succeeded in demolishing the other already vacated homes. Now these streets feel more like a war zone. Eventually, it seems that old will have to make way for the new. Hopefully it will be done fairly.