Guizhou province plans to establish a fund to aid the preservation and development of traditional villages. The 100 million yuan ($16.12 million) fund is expected to be invested in construction work in a number of villages in 2015, according to Guiyang Daily.

According to the guidance on protecting and developing traditional villages as issued by the Guizhou provincial government this May, the government will distribute more than 150 million yuan annually from 2016 to 2020. The money will be used to complete traditional village conservation projects.

Guizhou government will focus on maintaining the integrity of architecture, culture and value of traditional villages and banning the construction of commercial real estate and large recreational facilities in important restoration areas.

In order to improve living standards among villagers, the government has stepped up efforts in constructing necessary infrastructure. It also aims to help villagers develop characteristic industries such as rural tourism, for the sake of boosting the local economy and publicizing folk culture.

The government is seeking to develop ecological villages to stimulate economic growth and wealth distribution to villagers and to keep in harmony with the surrounding environment.

Preservation of ancient villages is an important task for the government of Guizhou. Located in Southwest China, the province is home to numerous villages that have thousands of years of history. It is also home to a number of ethnic minorities such as the Miao ethnic group; each features its own characteristic culture and village style.

Edited by Jacob Hooson