In contrast to cultural preservation experts, most residents expressed indifference over the future of their houses as long as they received enough compensation, as most of the courtyards had fallen into a state of disrepair due to a lack of maintenance.

The wall of the he No. 115 courtyard has been covered with modern red bricks and small shacks occupy most of the courtyard, leaving the residents a narrow passageway to enter and exit. Some shacks and rooms have already been demolished, creating an outdoor space for hanging birdcages.

"No one ever came to talk to me. I guess they know I'm poor and can't move out," said a woman in her 70s surnamed Deng who lives with her three sons, all of whom are unemployed, in the courtyard.

"We are not familiar with this issue and we have not been told what to do with the guildhalls," said an employee of the Fenfang Liulijie residential committee, adding, "I only know that Liang Qichao once lived here."