Repair work on a traditional Chinese courtyard in the heart of Beijing, which is the former office of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Beijing, began yesterday.

Previously the courtyard was used as accommodation for the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After decades of efforts by the YWCA Beijing and related government departments, all the households in the quadrangle moved out last year. The YWCA Beijing finally regained its property nearly 50 years after its departure, said Wei Liwen, a member of YWCA Beijing.

Courtyard

However, the courtyard needs urgent renovation as the previous occupants built a number of small buildings in it, which have ruined its original appearance and created safety hazards.

"It is very hard for the YWCA Beijing to raise enough money to give the courtyard a facelift," Wei said. Luckily the YWCA has received some help.

"It is really appreciated that the Beijing municipal government and related departments have helped us restore our home."

Yu Ping, vice-director of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage, said the ongoing project would repair the old rooms and structures of the courtyard in order to restore its original appearance.

The project, with an investment of more than 4 million yuan (US$490,000) from the municipal government, is expected to be finished next August, Yu said.

The YWCA Beijing bought the courtyard, numbered 35, and another adjacent one No 33, as its office in 1936. However, the organization had to move out of the office in 1958 due to the political climate of the time.

In 1985, the No 33 courtyard was handed back to the YWCA Beijing.

(China Daily July 29, 2005)