87 villages listed as ancient villages in Ningbo
- Details
- Category: Ningbo District
- Published: Monday, 17 December 2012 09:03
Eight-seven villages have been listed as ancient villages in Ningbo this Tuesday after an investigation conducted by Ningbo Municipal Planning Bureau.
A typical ancient village usually enjoys a relatively long history. Rich in traditions and historical, cultural, scientific, artistic, social, and economic values, they should be protected. "Different from the title of Famous Historic and Cultural Town, ancient villages belong to a larger category," according to an official of the Municipal Planning Bureau. To win the title of ancient village, a village should meet one of the following four standards: Firstly, it exhibits typical traditional architectural style; Secondly, it maintains traditional characteristics in terms of location and layout; thirdly, it keeps intangible cultural heritage intact. Fourthly, it highlights local color with significant traditions or landscapes. "A village may be qualified to be an ancient village as long as it meets one of the above standards, "said the official of Municipal Planning Bureau.
Five villages in Qiantong Ancient Town are elected as ancient villages under state-level protection. The ancient town has well-protected ancient buildings and rich historical and cultural heritage. The layout of the village was designed according to the Bagua, a set of symbolic signs created in ancient china. The streets and lanes were arranged orderly, featuring a network of shrines, wells, and water channels in the town. "Local villagers held annual lantern festival parade in honor of their ancestors, which forms an important part of the intangible cultural heritage, so we recommend the town as ancient village under state-level protection," said the official.
Apart from the five villages in Qiantong Ancient Town, another six villages are recommended as ancient villages under state-level protection.
According to local authorities, this list also include those villages whose location fit with the natural environment harmoniously and maintain intact traditional layout. Two villages in Yu Yao and Simongshan Township were elected ancient villages as they boasts exquisite scenic sights and maintain their original eco style intact. Some traditional villages are selected for their unique natural environments. Cixi's Hetou Village won the title of ancient village with its old trees and beautiful ecological environment.
There are also four ancient villages who are elected for their intangible cultural heritage including lion dance, handcraft, paper cut and local festival parade.
Ningbo launched a protection campaign over traditional villages several years ago. In August 2005, 10 villages have been listed as the city's Famous Historical and Cultural Villages. Currently, three villages in Ninghai, Yuyao, and Fenghua are listed as Famous Historical and Cultural Villages on provincial level.
