Beijing becomes greener, welcomes back wild birds

A private home in an old hutong, or alleyway, in downtown Beijing has welcomed a group of rare guests - five fledgling swallows.

"I haven't seen a swallow's nest for over 30 years," said Fan Liandi, a retired Chinese language teacher who lives in Dazhiqiao Hutong, just south of Xuanwumen.

"Last year, I had the house's gate repainted, and in spring, swallows started building a nest under the roof," Fan said.