An aerial photo shows part of the “urban village” to be demolished in Hefei, capital of Anhui province, on May 9. The first phase of demolition will involve the eviction of 1,266 households, or 4,057 people. Photo: IC Photo

A villager wearing a mask walks through the “urban village” on May 14 before demolition begins. Photo: IC Photo

Information about the upcoming demolition written on the village of a home. Photo: IC Photo

A local government worker writes “demolish” on the side of a home on May 14. Photo: IC Photo

Residents whose homes are about to be demolished hand over documents related to their property to local government staff on May 14. Photo: IC Photo