Guizhou accelerates heritage preservation and revitalization

Dali Dong village is located among the mountains in Rongjiang county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, Guizhou province. [Photo/Guizhou Daily]

In recent years, efforts to protect historical and cultural villages and towns in Southwest China's Guizhou province have been accelerating. The province currently boasts 12 national and provincial-level historical and cultural cities, 22 famous towns, 31 renowned villages, 29 historical streets, and 1,635 historical buildings.

Guizhou adheres to the principle of preservation through utilization, enhancing revitalization efforts through reform and innovation. This approach strengthens the protection of cultural relics and heritage, as well as improves the preservation of historical culture in urban and rural development.

Dali Dong village is located in a deep valley along the Lidong River in Zaima town, Rongjiang county. The Lidong River flows through the village, with traditional Dong dwellings, bridges, drum towers, and granaries lining its banks, all surrounded by lush forests.

In 2014, Dali Dong Village was listed among the sixth batch of China's Historical and Cultural Villages. By 2024, the village had received nearly 100,000 visitors, while the number of homestays in the village grew from 18 in 2022 to 46.

Zhenshan village, a Bouyei settlement in Guiyang, sits on a peninsula in the middle of the Huaxi Reservoir, surrounded by water on three sides. In 2002, the Zhenshan Bouyei Ethnic Eco-Museum was established, emphasizing the authenticity, integrity, and originality of cultural heritage preservation.

The village was designated as a national historical and cultural village in 2019 and now has 18 registered immovable cultural relics covering 3,230 square meters. Around 2018, artists began flocking to Zhenshan, transforming spaces into art studios, ushering in the era of "Zhenshan Art Village".

By 2035, Guizhou aims to build a comprehensive, systematic urban and rural historical and cultural preservation system. The goal is to ensure effective protection and sustainable use of history and culture, with robust systems to prevent damage, fostering heightened cultural awareness and confidence.