"What's happening to old Beijing today is a form of cultural genocide," complains resident Ed Lanfranko. "The past is being obliterated - sold out to build a new Beijing." Courtyard homes, unique to Beijing, are being knocked down to make way for new developments. Nothing is safe from the wrecking ball. With no freedom of speech or form of protest, residents whose homes are earmarked for destruction are virtually powerless. "I want to protest. I want to voice my opinion. In China this is impossible," despairs Ding Ai. It seems that the past has no place in modern Beijing.