Beautiful autumn scene in Huishan Ancient Town attracts hordes of visitors. [Photo/wxrb.com]
Wuxi, a time-honored water town located in East China's Jiangsu province, recently released a series of measures to protect Jiangnan-style water towns in the city.
Jiangnan, which literally means "south of the river", has been used since ancient times to describe the Yangtze River Delta, which comprises Shanghai municipality and Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.
Officials have said that the measures are meant to strengthen the protection and management of ancient water towns, especially Huishan Ancient Town, and support the town's sustainable development and cultural inheritance in modern times.
According to the measures, as water towns built along small rivers on the vast plain of the Yangtze River Delta are precious cultural heritage items in the region, the protection of Jiangnan water towns will be included in the local economic and social development plan. In addition, the funds required for protection works will be included in the fiscal budget at the same level.
Daily work will be carried out in parts corresponding to the Measures for the Protection and Administration of World Cultural Heritage.
In November 2012, the Huishan Ancestral Halls were included on the preliminary list of world cultural heritage items in China in recognition of their persistent efforts and unique features. Later, Huishan Ancient Town became part of the Jiangnan water town to apply for the title jointly.
