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)

"The problem was persistent because restaurant owners would reopen their business once we left," says Wang Weishi, a publicity officer with Sixinfang.

The authority has also restored the neighborhood, rewired the electrical network and built sanitary restrooms, Wang adds.

Exterior improvements are basically finished, and interior work on the buildings will begin later this year.

The idea is to restore Sixinfang's charm and weave it back into Hangzhou's historical and cultural fabric, Wang explains.

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.