Historic Chiang Ching-kuo residence may be turned into cafe

The historical residence of Chiang Ching-kuo in Hangzhou city may be turned into a cafe, sources said on Wednesday.

McDonald's proposed to rent the two-story house near the scenic West Lake and turn it to a 100-seat cafe, according to a public notice of the proposal.

The plan needs the approval from the West Lake Administration.

"The ownership of the residence changed several times in the last seven decades. There were few historic things left," said Chen Wenjin, former deputy director of Zhejiang Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage.

Chen said the residence could be used for commerce if the original layout is not changed.

McDonald's proposal, however, sparked some public uproar.

An industry insider, who declined to be named, said Chiang's residence had significant historic value and it would be improper to use it as a commercial or private building.

Chen said the residence was a cultural resource and any commercial use proposals should pass the scrutiny of government agencies and experts.

"The proposal is still under public review. It is unknown if the cafe will open," said Chen Zhihua, communication head of the West Lake Administration.

Chen said the administration would make sure the residence's facade and inside structure stay unchanged.

The residence would serve the public, Chen added.