Something old, something new

An ancient neighborhood in Hangzhou strives to balance tradition and modernity. Yang Feiyue reports.

It is a distinctive cluster of low-slung historical buildings, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the West Lake area in Hangzhou, Zhejiang's provincial capital.

Minutes ago, I was wandering around the commercial hot spots nearby, where skyscrapers wearing Starbucks, Gap and Apple logos hug the streets. Now, two-story structures of black bricks with dark wooden doors framed in stone have sprung up before me.