The Western shadow

No. 71 is far from the only apparent historical site in this hutong. No.26 of this lane is unique for its assembly of two-story independent houses in the American architectural style. This collection is not a recent development by rich Chinese real estate developers, though. They were built by Peking Union Medical College Hospital in the 1920s. The old houses are situated around a huge courtyard, 127 meters long and 140 meters wide. Each building occupies around 600 square meters, including a living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom and storage areas, and they're still being used as dormitories for the hospital staff.

Originally established with the investment of the Rockefeller Financial Group during the same period, these houses are now being used as the dormitories of the staff of the hospital. To me, it was just amazing to know that after nearly a century later these old houses are in good condition and still look like new.

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