China's "city of future" preserves tradition, nostalgia
Release time:2024-05-22 03:43:37
XIONG'AN, Hebei Province, April 2 (Xinhua) -- As Xiong'an, China's "city of the future," swiftly ere 。
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
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin committed Monday to keeping U.S. weapons moving to2024-05-22Meta more than doubles Q1 profit but revenue guidance pulls shares down after
Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta said Wednesday its first-quarter profit more than doubled2024-05-22Louisiana dolphin shot dead; found along Cameron Parish coast
CAMERON, La. (AP) — Up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to a criminal conviction2024-05-22Billionaire Texas oilman inks deal with Venezuela's state
MIAMI (AP) — A company started by a Texas billionaire oilman announced a deal Wednesday with Venezue2024-05-22Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf has shocked onlookers after being spotted on the streets of Barry in Wal2024-05-2211 Republican "fake electors" indicted for falsely declaring Trump won Arizona
PHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona grand jury has indicted former Donald Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows an2024-05-22
atest comment