Pingyao joins China's Top 10 Old Town Union

When 10 of China's oldest towns from across the country decided to form a Top 10 Old Town Union, on April 26, in Shandong province to explore the possibilities for tourism development with Chinese characteristics and protect the old town culture, one of the founding members was the old town of Pingyao, Shanxi province.

The other nine are Zhouzhuang and Tongli, Jiangsu province, Nanxun and Xitang, Zhejiang province, Zhoucun, Shandong, Langzhong, Sichuan province, Chengkan, Anhui province, Xiangyang, Hubei province, and Hongjiang, Hunan province.

The union's purpose was also announced at the founding conference, with eight items focused on protecting historical and cultural heritage in accordance with Chinese laws, protecting the original ecology and life of the people in the towns, and improving safety in the old towns.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw