Foreigners Buy Up Beijing's Courtyards

A siheyuan (courtyard) in ancient Beijing.

Beijing's State Land and Housing Bureau has publicized regulations encouraging the purchase of siheyuan in Beijing's historical and cultural protected areas. Preferential taxation will be awarded to units and individuals buying siheyuan and for the first time, foreign enterprises and individuals will be permitted to buy siheyuan.

Hua Xinmin, a renowned French prose writer and protector of Beijing's old city, says she supports all measures to protect old cities, ancient history and culture.