China to Revive Ancient Town in Southwest

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, May 18, 2003

China to Revive Ancient Town in Southwest

Shuhe Township, an ancient trade post for tea caravans between China and the Red Sea, is set to regain its past prosperity with the launch of a new protection program.

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Shuhe Township, an ancient trade post for tea caravans between China and the Red Sea, is set to regain its past prosperity with the launch of a new protection program.

The program, jointly initiated by the Kunming Dingye Group and Lijiang County, involves a budget investment of 500 million yuan (about 60.24 million US dollars) and will be completed within threeyears.

Situated in Lijiang County, a World Culture Heritage list site since 1997, Shuhe Township is a "living fossil" , part of the site's ancient role as an important conduit linking China and the outside world, both culturally and commercially.

Back in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Shuhe was a crucial post inmountainous southwest China through which trade caravans sent their tea and leather to Tibet, Sichuan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and the coast area of the Red Sea.

Although more than 1,000 years have passed, the township still retains its past atmosphere as a cozy village. A square surroundedby stores of various kinds is the only bazaar in the township.

Inside the township, hemmed in by orchards and green fields, houses are built along three clear streams.

Liu Jiachun, president of the Dingye Group, said some ancient houses and historic scenic spots would be protected and a museum established.

All electricity cables would be laid underground to make the township look tidier, said Liu.

"Our purpose is to bring back the township's history and give it better protection."

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