Pingyao issues guideline for preserving traditional residences

The Ancient City of Pingyao in Shanxi province now has “instructions for use”, as the Pingyao government and UNESCO jointly issued a practical guideline for the preservation and maintenance of the city’s traditional residences on August 12.

A man passes by a traditional residence in the Ancient City of Pingyao, Shanxi province. [Photo/asianewsphoto.com]

This guideline, one of China’s most meticulous specifications for preservation of traditional architecture, was jointly written by China Cultural Heritage Foundation, Global Heritage Fund and Tongji University in Shanghai. It is written with simple vocabulary and detailed illustrations to be accessible for all readers.

Pingyao has more than 3,800 traditional houses, over 400 of which have great historical and cultural value. Renovating traditional dwellings according to world heritage standards is an important part of the city’s preservation. Early in last year, Pingyao has published a management guideline for traditional residences preservation.

According to the new guideline, Pingyao’s traditional residences are categorized into nine levels. The local government will grant subsidies for renovation from 400 yuan to 1400 yuan ($62 - $218) per square meter. The subsidies come from the ancient city’s ticket sales.

Moreover, the renovation project will have a competitive mechanism and public notification system.