REBUILDING QIANMEN #1: Large tracts of Qianmen and Dashilan were demolished and flattened to make way for new roads, luxury hotels and a new pedestrian street that would showcase traditional Chinese brands in a modern setting. The old houses and hutong that remain would be preserved, and tough restrictions would be placed on new projects in these areas, according to the government. But those who have snuck a peak at the new Qianmen complain that it looks "fake". Defenders of the Qianmen renovation project say these critics should not confuse poverty with authenticity. Long-time Qianmen residents are resigned to the fact that damage has been done, and that there is little use debating these issues anymore. "The Olympics has dealt a great blow to ordinary citizens, it has disrupted our lives," said Mr Yu, 63, whose family has lived in eastern Qianmen for generations. "This is what we feel in our hearts but we cannot say it out loud. Is it worth it? We will have to wait and see."