On the 13th, a reporter from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development revealed that China has officially listed 8,155 villages of significant cultural and historical value in its Traditional Village Protection Directory. Moving forward, the Ministry emphasizes the need for local authorities to enhance the protection and utilization of these traditional villages, prioritizing preservation above all else. This includes initiatives such as comprehensive surveys and evaluations of traditional villages across the country.
The Ministry stated that while working on the protection and utilization of traditional villages, local governments must always place preservation at the forefront. They will tackle pressing issues such as excessive demolition and construction, fake restoration efforts, neglect, and inappropriate usage. Additionally, there are plans to integrate traditional villages into the national identity system of Chinese civilization and conduct nationwide surveys and assessments.
Moreover, the Ministry encourages revitalization efforts by promoting the demonstration of concentrated preservation and utilization of traditional villages. It also aims to address the shortcomings in rural infrastructure and public services.
In terms of economic development, the Ministry is advocating for the growth of industries such as eco-tourism and cultural creativity in traditional villages. This includes an ongoing program called “Design for the Countryside” aimed at improving building quality and safety as well as enhancing living standards. A key focus will be on cultural heritage, encouraging the compilation of village histories and records to enrich the cultural essence of these traditional areas.
Recent statistics show that there are currently 8,155 villages listed in the Traditional Village Protection Directory with formal protective measures in place. In addition, 16 provinces have identified 5,028 villages for provincial-level protection, safeguarding 556,000 traditional buildings and preserving and promoting 5,965 items of intangible cultural heritage at the provincial level or above. Furthermore, 5,518 villages have compiled their own historical records.
