Nowadays, these peaceful quadrangles are hard to find in Beijing. The reasons are as follows:

Since 1949, a large-scale construction programme has been carried out in the city, causing the demolition of some dwelling compounds;

During the initial post-liberation period, government offices occupied some quadrangles. Later they were demolished to build office buildings; 

During the 'Cultural Revolution' (1966-1976), air-raid shelters were dug everywhere in Beijing, resulting in the destruction of some dwelling compounds; 

In recent years many residential buildings have been constructed to ease the housing shortage and provide better accommodation for the people. Some were built on the sites of demolished dwelling compounds. Outer compounds have been changed or distorted beyond recognition because the residents have added kitchens in the courtyards. 

Today, Beijing still has about 400,000 residential quadrangles, mainly distributed over the East, West, Xuanwu and Chongwen districts of the city. Those in the East and West districts are in the best shape. The departments concerned with the preservation of cultural relics in Beijing have earmarked a number of good-quality dwelling compounds for protection. In addition, the urban construction departments have worked out a plan to limit high buildings in the city proper to protect the dwelling compounds.