By 2014, China had designated 994 ancient villages for protection due to their historical significance. However, despite collaborative efforts from cultural, academic, social and government sectors, preserving them has been a formidable challenge. Between 2010 and 2014, 461 ancient villages along the Yangtze and Yellow rivers, both on and off the protection list, were lost. In Wending Village, Yunnan Province, 104 ancient homes were destroyed by fire in 2021. Similarly, in Hunan’s Zhangguying Village, commercialization and forced relocation have eroded traditional ways of life. Effective protection of these villages necessitates a harmonious blend of the old and the new, as exemplified by Guangzhou’s Yongmo Village, where ancient halls coexist alongside modern architecture. Experts emphasize that, in addition to designating villages as protected sites, development efforts must directly benefit local communities to ensure their survival and vitality.
Old Version
