Traditional towns face extinction
According to the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Society General Survey, since the year 2005, almost half of China's "ancient villages," rural areas that maintain their original architecture, customs, and a traditional way of living, have disappeared.
"The roots of Chinese history are not in cities but hidden in these ancient villages, which contain most of our cultural heritage," said Feng Jicai, chairman of Chinese Folk Literature and Art Society.
Following China's recent urban development and modernization, many ancient villages have disappeared. Recently, the National Ancient Village Protection Summit convened in Ji'an, Jiangxi Province. Jiangxi has 21 historical ancient towns; Ji'an boasts the largest number of such ancient villages.
Experts were impressed with how well the old villages of Ji'an were protected but voiced regret that not all towns were this well maintained. To preserve the area for the future, experts vowed to preserve the roads, buildings, dialect, customs, and cultural forms.
"We know that ancient villages will disappear some day. We are [trying] to delay that day," said Liu Qilie, member at Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
Development dilemma
Ancient villages find it easier to survive over time if they are located in remote spots. Not until the expansion of cities in the last century were these areas acknowledged by the outside world.
Currently, the quality of the facilities in these villages is poor.
"There is a Chinese tradition to 'live young,' meaning that many of these buildings were built with the intention of being rebuilt," said Wan Jianzhong, a professor in the Chinese department at Beijing Normal University.
Therefore, many homes in ancient villages are made of wood and mud, easy for rebuilding but now becoming unsafe to live in over time.
The development of transportation in surrounding areas also leads to the decay of ancient villages.
"Residents are continuously leaving their old homes. How can we protect a place if no one lives there?" Wan asked.
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