McDonald’s in historical residence stirs public debate

A McDonald’s cafe opens in former residence of Chiang Ching-kuo. [Photo/CNR]

"Look at the name plate of the building! It reads as 'historical relic protection site', so the place should be preserved as a way of cultural advancement, instead of being commercialized, "Weibo user cyx998 argued.

The contrasting views echo the opinions of scholar too.

"The former residences of cultural and historical celebrities among the West Lake (in Hangzhou city) are part of world's cultural heritage. Protection should be the top priority. Their social value shall be addressed first," said Rong Yuzhong, secretary general of Hangzhou Ancient Capital Culture Research Association, in an earlier interview with Qianjiang Evening News.

However, there are no laws or regulations banning business operations in historical architectures so far, and therefore, as some scholars suggest, there should not be direct intervention.

The property right of the house belongs to the Zhejiang Provincial Government Offices Administration and one of its official Liu Haisheng indicates that there was little trace of the Chiang family left in the house where they only lived for one month and that the commercial usage would provide enough funds to its further preservation.