Conservation plan for Pingyao relics

A guideline for conservation of historic courtyard buildings and Pingyao Ancient City was released on June 25.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) cooperated with the local government and developed the guideline over three years. The guideline aims to protect the world heritage and to improve local residents' living conditions.

Beatrice Kaldun, from UNESCO in China, said improving the living standards of Pingyao local residents under the premise of protecting its world heritage value is the key to preserving historic dwellings.

"In addition to ancient relics, Pingyao also carries a lot of historical information. We need to protect it from being destroyed as a tourist city while improving the local residents' living conditions," said Shao Yong, a professor at Tongji University.

The guideline lists the laws, regulations, local policies and principles of the world heritage. It can be referenced by the local government and professional construction teams. A new practical guide with pictures and plain language for spreading the knowledge about world heritage among local residents will be released soon.