The Lost Sounds of Old Beijing – Anthony Kuhn

From NPR (link):

Old Beijing was a city of unique sounds — sounds used to mark time, to advertise goods and services, or just to tickle the ear. In the run-up to the 2008 Olympics, Beijing is tearing down many of its historic districts to make way for high-rise apartments and office towers. In the process, the sounds of the city’s old neighborhoods are gradually falling silent.