Wuxi protecting its ancestral temples
Cultural experts and government workers in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, are consulting the country’s top professionals to protect local ancestral temples and prepare for a UNESCO World Heritage application.
According to the local government, experts from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and some top Chinese universities have been visiting Huishan ancient town, where more than 120 ancestral temples are located, to give suggestions and help with the renovation work.
Gao Dawei, a heritage protection expert with the administration, has assessed the ancestral temples and said they have the potential of becoming a world heritage site.
“The ancestral temples in Wuxi conform with UNESCO’s regulations and standards on c ultural landscapes,” Gao said. “The temples are uniquely designed, time honored and represent traditional Chinese culture in various ways.”
Huishan ancient town has ancestral temples lined up one by one along a branch of an old canal. The ancestral temples vary greatly by when they were built, size and architectural style.
The oldest temple, which was built to worship an emperor who made great strides in flood control, dates back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC220 AD). The biggest temple, known as Jichang Garden, covers an area of 9,000 square meters and is one of the country’s most renowned gardens.
Though most of the temples represent the traditional Chinese architectural style, some were built in modern times to commemorate famous capitalists and have strong Western styles.
More than 10 temples in the area have been listed as key Chinese cultural relics under State protection.
According to Li Wenyang, a cultural expert in Wuxi, the ancestral temples represent the culture of clans in China.
“Different from many heritage sites, the ancestral temples in Wuxi are still alive,” said Li. “Many people from around the country and the world still come here to commemorate their ancestors and reunite with their relatives.”
Chen Xiao, who works at the town’s protection and management office, said: “If you are interested in Chinese history and philosophy, Huishan ancient town is a place you should not miss. You can experience the lives of many people who influenced the history of China and learn about many of their beliefs while enjoying the beautiful view of a mountain and a canal.”
“Now we have about 10 guides who can speak English, Japanese and Korean, and we’ ll try to have more guides who can speak more languages,” Chen said.