[Explanation] As a unique large-scale residence in central Fujian with both living and defense, Yongtai Zhuangzhai is deeply hidden in the mountainous area of Yongtai County, Fujian Province, showing the diversity of traditional rural societies in Fujian and even China.
At the beginning of March 2022, three Zhuangzhai buildings in Yongtai County were selected into the 2022 World Architectural Cultural Relics Observation List; at the end of March, Yongtai was selected into the 2022 Public List of Demonstration Counties for Concentrated Contiguous Protection and Utilization of Traditional Villages.
Once, Yongtai Zhuangzhai was hidden in the mountains where people did not know it.
In recent years, the local area has attached great importance to the protection and revitalization of ancient villages and ancient villages, which has also brought Yongtai villages into people's vision.
A few days ago, the reporter went to Fujian Yongtai for a field visit.
[Explanation] Yongtai Zhuangzhai was built in the Tang Dynasty, flourished in the Song Dynasty, developed rapidly in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and spread to almost all villages and towns in the late Qing Dynasty.
According to statistics, there are more than 2,000 Zhuangzhai in the history of Yongtai, of which 152 are relatively intact, 98 of which cover an area of more than 1,000 square meters and have a history of more than 100 years.
[Concurrent] Zhang Peifen, vice chairman of the Yongtai County Political Consultative Conference and director of the Village Security Office
The father builds the middle part first, and the living part in the middle is called the village, and then the descendants are called the village for the peripheral defense. Therefore, we can generalize that the village is the father builds the village and the son builds the village. The inside is the village and the outside is the village. , Wen is the village, and Wu is the village.
[Explanation] Aijing Village, located in Yangwei Village, Tong'an Town, Yongtai County, was built in the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty.
Zhuangzhai is built on the mountain, with a wide field of vision, easy to defend and difficult to attack.
More than ten years ago, Aijingzhuang, like the hundreds of large-scale ancient dwellings in Yongtai, faced the problem of urgent repair.
[Concurrent] Bao Daowen, Executive Chairman of Aijingzhuang Conservation and Development Council
We started to protect it in 2009. At that time, because the tiles collapsed and leaked, the building was a bit rotten, and some of the legacy left by our ancestors was lost in the hands of our generation. It was a pity that we called it in 2009. Clan people, discussing matters and holding meetings, trying to protect it.
Later, everyone said that our suggestion was very good, and we got the support of all the clansmen, so we have been repairing it slowly.
[Explanation] Bao Daowen told reporters that for more than ten years, the repair work of Aijingzhuang has never stopped. The Bao clan has successively raised millions of yuan in funds. Coupled with the guidance and support of the local government, the repair of Aijingzhuang has achieved remarkable results. .
[Concurrent] Bao Daowen, Executive Chairman of Aijingzhuang Conservation and Development Council
When we repaired, we did it according to the originality and authenticity. We hired local craftsmen to do it with local materials. It took several years in a row. Until 2018, we won the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) The WIPO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Excellence Award is such a process.
After winning the award, we have more confidence in protection.
On the basis of protection, how to develop, these are all under consideration, let the legacy left by our ancestors be passed on from generation to generation, let the young people know that this is our home, and there is a way to return to the hometown to start a business. Come.
[Explanation] At present, Yongtai County has established 38 Zhuangzhai Conservation and Development Councils. The councils not only connect with the government, but also unite relatives and allow the masses to participate in the protection of Zhuangzhai.
As the repair work continues, activating popularity has become the key to "reviving" Zhuangzhai.
[Concurrent] Zhang Peifen, vice chairman of the Yongtai County Political Consultative Conference and director of the Village Security Office
We have to take a unique path of leading rural revitalization with traditional culture, because I think the local traditional culture can only be differentiated as long as it is the local traditional culture, and only the difference can have vitality.
We have found through research that traditional culture is the most enduring and growing industry. We regard it as an industry and build it. We hope that Zhuangzhai and traditional villages can become a major force in promoting our rural revitalization.
[Commentary] Zhang Peifen said that in the future, Yongtai will continue to strengthen the repair and protection of the villages, dig deep into the cultural connotations of ancient villages and villages, actively build platforms for the activation of ancient buildings, fully develop surrounding resources, and rejuvenate ancient villages and villages. Tourists come in and stay.
Reporter Wu Shengwei reports from Fuzhou, Fujian
Responsible editor: [Tian Boqun]