Lijiang Ancient Town, China



	Lijiang Awarded UNESCO merit award

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GHF Lijiang - Saving China’s Last ‘Living’ Ancient Town
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Lijiang Ancient Town has been severely affected both natural disasters, including earthquakes and fires, and more recently by an unprecedented onslaught of mass tourism. Due to unplanned modern construction and the exodus of native Naxi families from the ancient town, UNESCO Asia Pacific asked GHF to undertake a systematic process of planning and model conservation, hoping to maintain the historical integrity of China’s last ‘living’ ancient town.

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China Heritage Program Brochure

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Lijiang's Naxi (pronounced na shi) people still preserve much of their native Dongba culture and deep linkage to nature.

The Ancient Town of Lijiang is at risk of losing the last remnants of its ancient heritage and culture due to its recent tourist popularity and poor planning decisions. New 'modern' construction is strangling the ancient townwhile many of the ancient residences have been abandoned because of the prohibitive cost of authentic restoration.

UNESCO world heritage award given to Lijiang
The second Award of Merit winner, the conservation of 174 traditional houses in the World Heritage site of Lijiang Ancient Town, marks a significant step forward in public-private efforts to safeguard vernacular heritage. The partnership between the residents, management authorities, external conservation experts and donors allows for a broad-based and participatory conservation approach within the framework of the overall World Heritage site conservation management plan.

Lijiang’s unique canals and waterways, which had been compromised by pollution, have been reclaimed with new sewers and water systems. Over 1,200 households have benefited from the introduction of these systems.

GHF has worked over the past five years to restore over 174 traditional Naxi homes in partnership with 12 community wards and the Lijiang Ancient Town Management Committee.

Master Conservation Planning

Urban Land Use Planning

GHF Results
GHF has led cultural conservation efforts in Lijiang and created a new model for heritage conservation in the People's Republic of China. GHF in conjunction with UNESCO created a joint partnership with the Lijiang government for the development of the first Master Conservation Plan (MCP) for Lijiang. Furthermore, GHF created the first public and privately-funded Lijiang Trust for Conservation.

Together the MCP and the Conservation Trust couple science and planning tools with a subsidy incentive program for preservation to authentically restore historic ancient Naxi residences in the 1,000 year old Lijiang Ancient Town. The Master Conservation Plan is now being approved and incorporated into the overall City Plan. Upon adoption, the MCP will provide zoning and building guidelines, as well as enforcement capabilities to reverse the destruction of the ancient fabric and building traditions.

Before GHF Restoration

After GHF Restoration

Impact on World Heritage
With an approved Master Conservation Plan (MCP), created with the technical support of Shanghai Tongxi University, Lijiang has its first comprehensive roadmap for development. With these tools, Lijiang can now take steps to reverse the unplanned development which encroaches on the Core Protected Area. The plan provides strict guidelines for zoning, land use, construction, preservation and authentic restoration of Lijiang's historic architecture. In accordance with recommendations from the MCP as well as advocacy of GHF and UNESCO, Lijiang has recently demolished over 240 modern block-cement high-rise buildings that were built directly in front of the North Entrance and in the Core Protected Area.

Local Communities Undertaking Authentic Restoration

Traditional Naxi Construction

Authentic Restoration Naxi Residences

Removal of Modern Encroachment

GHF's Preservation Incentive Trust channelled private sector support for conservation and restoration of primary structures and streetscapes within the Lijiang Ancient Town Core Protected Area. All GHF funding was equally matched by the Chinese government for restoration of up to 200 ancient residences. GHF continues to involve all community stakeholders in the planning processes to insure a bright future for Lijiang Ancient Town as it battles against mass tourism, earthquakes and modern encroachment.

Recent Awards:

UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award - 2007

BusinessWeek /Architecture Record - 2006