Traditional village protection now in full swing in Pingyao

An impressive aerial view of Hengpo village in Pingyao county [Photo/Jinzhong news network]

Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province has found the right balance in recent years to both protect and develop its traditional villages. 

That's led to national recognition: 10 of them have been rated as Chinese traditional villages, including Liangcun village in Yuebi township, Hengpo village in Duancun town and Liuhe village in Zhukeng township. 

Focusing on these villages, Pingyao has formulated special protection and development plans, cooperated with international organizations such as UNESCO and the World Monuments Fund, held rural architectural heritage protection work camps, and promoted cultural heritage activation and utilization. 

Hengpo village's top official Guo Xingfeng said the village has meticulously preserved its ancient castles and courtyards – built in the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties – since work began in 2005.

The village carried out infrastructure construction in 2006-2010, manor construction in 2011-2015 and development and protection work in 2016-2020. 

Earlier this year, Pingyao was named as a demonstration county for the continued protection and utilization of traditional villages.

A traditional dwelling in Liangcun village in Pingyao county [Photo/Jinzhong news network]

The plan is to accelerate the program, further protect historical and cultural heritage and improve the living environment in rural areas. To do so, Pingyao will promote the development of a protection system for local traditional villages and promote the protection and renovation designs of traditional villages.

Moreover, the county will focus on completing the protection and utilization of traditional rural buildings, the restoration of historical environmental elements, the improvement of infrastructure and the environment, and the protection and utilization of cultural relics and intangible cultural heritage. 

What's more, it will move to stimulate the village tourism market and develop rural culture to achieve the sustainable development of traditional villages. 

"We will explore rural cultural and natural resources, to boost recreational agriculture and rural tourism with the protection and development of ancient villages at the core," said Liu Tong, an official with the Pingyao bureau of agriculture and rural affairs.