Luo Youming, 71, has lived in Sixinfang all her life. She is considering leaving the place to take the government's offer to relocate to new and bigger housing. [Photo by Yang Feiyue/China Daily]

Wang says help from cultural experts may be needed.

Now, a bookstore exhibiting works by prominent locals has opened, along with a free museum.

Lou says that the government may offer residents two choices soon: continue to live there and have their homes' interiors upgraded or take a government offer to relocate.

"I'm considering taking the new place, since it would be new and bigger," Lou says.

The downside for her is that the new housing is a bit farther away from her beloved West Lake.

"It's so beautiful and all natural, with blue skies and white clouds," she says.

"I'll visit it more now, since I might not be able to see it every day in the future."

Staying nearby

Sofitel Hangzhou West Lake offers the best of both worlds. The hotel is a few minutes' walk from the lake and popular commercial areas. Sixingfang is about a four-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the hotel.

333 West Lake Avenue, Hangzhou.

0571-8707-5858.

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