China's "city of future" preserves tradition, nostalgia
Release time：2024-05-08 03:02:41 Source：Culture Curves news portal
-
XIONG'AN, Hebei Province, April 2 (Xinhua) -- As Xiong'an, China's "city of the future," swiftly erects new apartments, schools and hospitals, a lesser-known effort is unfolding in tandem: the preservation of historical artifacts, ranging from revered trees and weathered bricks to traditional cultural events. Despite relocating to a new residence in a modern complex five years ago, Li Qiuhe still frequents a centuries-old locust tree in his former village of Xiaowangying, a cherished symbol of his roots. "It shaded our yard, offering solace to my family throughout the seasons," Li recalled. "It holds deep memories of our childhood and the village we once called home." In April 2017, China decided to establish Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province, part of a strategy to promote the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Xiong'an was designed to be a smart and livable city that is innovative, green and free from "urban ills." Around 120,000 residents like Li have been relocated from their old villages to new urban communities in Xiong'an. Within a 15-minute walk, amenities like bus stations, schools and elderly activity centers now enhance their lives with convenience and vibrancy. Li's tree is among 2,360-plus "nostalgia points" registered by Xiong'an since 2018 when the local government initiated an effort to honor its past while constructing a new city. Amidst extensive construction, ancient trees stand undisturbed, while historic buildings and archways remain intact. Li Taozhu, a former resident of Xiaowang Village who now lives in another urban community in Xiong'an, often takes his grandchildren back to the "nostalgia point" in his village. The spot is marked by several trees and the Temple of Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles. "I reminisce about my childhood memories of climbing jujube and locust trees and visiting the ancient temple," said Li Taozhu. "After all, this is where our ancestors once lived and we should not forget our past, even as we enjoy a better life." In a storage facility dedicated to preserving nostalgic artifacts, not only are traditional fishing and farming tools unique to the Baiyangdian Lake stored, but also a considerable number of intricately carved old wooden doors and windows, stone pillars and bluestone slabs used in traditional house construction. Like many rapidly urbanizing areas, Xiong'an grapples with the balance between modernity and tradition. The city's architecture incorporates elements of ancient porcelain, an ancient seven-stringed zither native to China, and historic seals. Additionally, traditional rural markets continue to thrive, attracting locals who cherish their cultural roots. "In these markets, we find everything we need -- from fresh produce and meats to household essentials and clothing," said Li Taozhu. "It's a cherished tradition; even elderly women make the journey by bus to partake." Xiong'an also embraces digital preservation, documenting old trees, houses and the daily lives of the local residents via video, photographs, virtual reality and other means, according to Chen Hui, deputy director of the publicity authorities of Xiong'an. He Youshun, a 56-year-old shutterbug and former relocation office worker, bears witness to these shifts. Over the past seven years, he has captured over 100,000 photos encapsulating nostalgia and changes, ranging from quaint village scenes to time-honored crafts and vibrant cultural gatherings. "I hope that more photography enthusiasts and photographers will join our shooting team and record more of the past," said He. "Documenting the construction of Xiong'an New Area is both an obligation and a responsibility for us photographers."
（Editor:Wang Su）
Related articles
- What's making me bruise so easily from the slightest knock? ASK DR MARTIN SCURR
- Supreme Court denies request by Arizona candidates seeking to ban electronic vote tabulators
- Spanish women among top Laureus winners and Djokovic is world sportsman of the year
- Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice: Lose his arm or lose his life
- Trump faces jail threat over gag order as prosecutors zero in on transactions at heart of the case
- Arizona judge declares mistrial in the case of a rancher accused of fatally shooting a migrant
- Seattle Kraken GM Ron Francis leaves open possibility of changes after team misses playoffs
- William Nylander misses second straight game for Maple Leafs
- Gerard Butler appears in high spirits as he watches Chelsea FC thrash West Ham 5
- Lowry, Connor propel Jets to 7
- Merlier wins Giro Stage 3 after Pogacar fires up finale and stays in the lead
- Minnesota state senator arrested on suspicion of burglary
- Ministry of Defence gives Ukrainian soldiers free cigarettes
- California legislators prepare to vote on a crackdown on utility spending
- Powerful ethnic armed group in western Myanmar claims to capture base and hundreds of soldiers
- Bill allowing parents to be fined for child's criminal offenses heads to Tennessee governor
- A cluster of earthquakes shakes Taiwan after a strong one killed 13 earlier this month
- Met officer admits dispersal order 'breached by Tommy Robinson at march against anti
- Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 12
- Bill allowing parents to be fined for child's criminal offenses heads to Tennessee governor
Random recommendation
China's new quality agricultural productive forces to be fully developed: reportChina unveils data of technically recoverable oil and gas resourcesShipwreck archaeology unveils glory of Maritime Silk RoadSusan Hall mounts lastDR MAX PEMBERTON: I've seen the real impact infidelity has on children, and it breaks my heartUN's commission on science and technology elects new chair2nd victim dies from injuries after Texas man drove stolen semitrailer into building, officials sayChina unveils data of technically recoverable oil and gas resourcesUK home secretary to visit Italy to discuss stopping migrants arriving on boatsMassive flooding hits China's Guangdong
- Copyright © 2024 Powered by China's "city of future" preserves tradition, nostalgia ,Culture Curves news portal sitemap