It's the end of an era in one area in the capital city of east China's Fujian Province.

A huge redevelopment programme is under way in Chating Street, with hundreds of homes and old shops being pulled down.

But for many of the people who are being displaced, the rebuilding project is a sad time.

Lin Liguo, 63, the owner of an old-brand scissors store, which has been handed down by his family, is concerned at whether it can ever re-open in another area.

The project began earlier this month and involves more than 500 stores and nearly 10,000 residents in the street.

"Many of the old residents like me would not like to leave the street where we have been living for nearly all of our lives," said Lin.

As the central part of the Bayiqi Road hub in the city, Chating Street has a long history that can be traced back to the ancient Song Dynasty (960-1279) as a commercial centre. It was an important passage entering the city of Fuzhou from southern areas at that time.

Ancient businessmen often stopped there and rested in a monks tea pavilion (Chating).

Later, the road gradually developed into a bustling street during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Now, the old street is known for its hundreds of handicraft workshops and stores, selling such things as knives, Chinese traditional musical instruments and combs.

However, the narrow road, rundown shops, poor infrastructure and basic living conditions in the street have affected the development of the city.

According to the reconstruction plan, the street will be widened from the present 14 metres to 40 metres. Meanwhile, Chating River will be dredged and its banks will also be renovated.

"I hope I can come back with my store after the reconstruction is completed, since my life has such a deep link with the street," said Lin. His shop has been operated for four generations and dates back 150 years.

"We will lose lots of frequent customers and suffer from a great economic loss if our store is relocated," Lin said.

At present, the local government has come up with a solution to protect the unique traditional handicraft industry of Chating Street.

It will offer subsidies to help the old stores relocate to another street in the city which will be built into a new handicraft commercial area, according to Chen Chunguang, vice-director with the government of the city's Taijiang District.

"I don't know whether our new home will be so lively," said an 80-year-old woman surnamed Li, who has been living in the street since she was born.

"I did not want to say goodbye to my neighbours.

"The old people are mostly afraid of loneliness."

But younger people have a different opinion. "The living condition here is so terrible. I've been looking forward to moving out for a long time," said Ye Fei.

Local officials said the government will invite professional real estate appraisers to evaluate the old houses in the street and then decide on the compensation to property owners.

According to him, the reconstruction will be completed by the end of 2007.

(China Daily February 23, 2006)