Dongguan Street in the city of Dalian had survived wars, colonization, and changing regimes throughout the 20th century.But its brave march through history is coming to an end, and it is modernization that has proven to be its nemesis.The government had intentions to rehabilitate the 100-year old neighborhood since early 2000s, but funding fell short.And it is Wanda Group, the real estate giant that also got its start in Dalian, that has come to the fore.After clearing over 2,000 homes on Dongguan Street, Wanda is expected to build a shopping mall in their place.Longtime residents of the neighborhood say they are generally upbeat about the project.Most of them have either already moved out or are preparing to do so.But still there are 200 or so households that have chosen to stay, and discussions are ongoing as to what will become of them.The government says it will pay residents for their homes and open up an opportunity to live in more modernized environments.In some ways, living conditions in Dongguan Street can appear less than perfect.In one of the courtyards, for instance, 10 families share one latrine and one water tap.Most buildings are too frail to be fitted with new pipes for public heating.In the winter, when temperatures fall below zero Celsius degree, residents resort to electric heaters or coal-fired boilers.But conservationists argue the neighborhood should be protected as a cultural heritage site, blaming its present condition on the government's neglect.
