Pingyao Cultural Heritage Development Program Progress Report

Pingyao Cultural Heritage Development Program

Progress Report

Pingyao Ancient City, Shanxi, China

In partnership with Pingyao County People’s Government

GHF Project Director Ms. Kuanghan Li, Manager, GHF China

July 2009

Program Background GHF and Pingyao Government have reached a cooperative agreement in 2006 for the conservation and protection of Pingyao Ancient City. After more than a year of site survey and assessment, and the assignment of a specially appointed China Program Manager by GHF; the project has produced some preliminary results. Currently, the Pingyao Master Conservation Plan has being approved by the expert panel review; documentation and survey for historic courtyard and district conservation has been completed. Preservation of the intangible heritage including the wood block printing, Shage Opera Figurine, etc, has begun. The Pingyao Government has also set up a special unit to administer and manage the collaborative effort in May 2008 (The GHF-Pingyao Project Office). Proposed project plan can be divided into 4 main components:

• Pingyao Ancient City Master Conservation Plan and Management Plan;

• Survey and management of both tangible and intangible cultural resources;

• Preservation and rehabilitation of the vernacular architecture and historic streetscape;

• Revitalization of traditional arts and crafts.

This Pingyao-GHF partnership is part of an integrated planning, conservation and development program in conjunction with the Master Conservation Plan designed by The Urban Planning and Design Research Institute at Shanghai Tongji University. The collaborative program will operate under a matching fund system between the Pingyao County Government and GHF. In addition, GHF will also provide training opportunities, technical expertise, media coverage and other forms of support. Pingyao Ancient City Master Conservation Plan and Management Plan Since becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Pingyao Ancient City has undergone enormous changes. With the development and economic pressure brought about by rapid growth of tourism, the master plan was conceived to manage and resolve the difficulties and issues in the course of balancing development and protection of the Ancient City. GHF and Pingyao government jointly appointed The Urban Planning Institute of shanghai Tongji University to design the Pingyao Ancient City Master Conservation Plan and Pingyao Ancient City Management Plan.

GHF Pingyao Cultural Heritage Development Program Progress Report 2

Figure 1 Landuse Plan of the Greater Pingyao City. Drawing by Shanghai Tongji University. The comprehensive Master Conservation Plan contains in depth analysis of the historical and cultural characteristics and values of the Ancient City, and a complete study of Pingyao’s conservation and development issues. Based on the study, the plan then specifies the sustainable development goals and strategy of the Ancient City. The Master Plan will provide technical basis for all future development plan and management of the World Heritage Site. In addition to the Master Conservation Plan, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pingyao was required to have a Management Plan under the requirement of the World Heritage Convention. An adequate management plan was absent when Pingyao was inscribed in 1997 and with the development pressure, the city is in urgent need of one.

Figure 2 Expert panel review in Jan 2009 for the Master Conservation Plan and Management Plan.


The drafting of the Pingyao Ancient City Master Conservation Plan began in November 2006 and has now been completed. An expert panel review was organized by the Shanxi Ministry of Construction and Pingyao County Government in January 2009 to review both plans; which have passed the review. Currently, the plan is pending final approval from the Shanxi Province Government and under review by the Shanxi Province National People’s Congress (NPC) to be passed as new regulations for Pingyao County. Survey and management of tangible and intangible cultural resources A comprehensive survey of both tangible and intangible cultural resources within the ancient city was carried out since summer 2008. The survey will help to inform and enrich the Cultural Heritage Development Program, support the implementation of the Master Conservation Plan and focused mainly on the courtyard residences. The survey was carried out by a local team comprised of planners, historians, and traditional architecture craftsmen. Recording methods include a combination of photography, sketches, video and audio recordings, and text descriptions. For the first time, the survey included not only the architecture but also the evolution of the architecture layout, architecture and family history and social conditions of the residents.

Figure 3 The survey team collecting oral history from the residents during the courtyard survey.


Figure 4 The Survey team investigating the courtyard architecture.

The collected information is stored, organized and presented in the form of digital archive where the collected information will be accessible for both internal and eventual public uses. The digital archive is the first of its kind in Pingyao and will aid the local government to better manage and monitor the historic courtyards. So far, the survey team has completed the survey of close to 100 courtyards, covering an area of close to 4 hectares. Preservation and rehabilitation of the vernacular architecture and historic streetscape GHF has completed the first phase restoration of its pilot courtyard conservation project in Pingyao at No. 12 Mijia Xiang. The project began in September 2008 and is scheduled to be completed in October 2009. No.12 Mijia Xiang was the original location for one of the major draft banks in Pingyao, Weichang Hao, founded in 1859. The bank closed in 1920 and after the founding of the Republic, the courtyard was used as storage facility by the local high school and co-op. In 1963, the courtyard was again occupied by the local kindergarden and underwent some alterations. Under the population redistribution policy, the kindergarden was moved out of the Ancient City in 2002, and the courtyard has stood vacant till now. The project team conducted historical background research, existing condition survey before carrying out the actual conservation work. The original historic fabric was retained as much as possible, only parts that seriously impair the structural stability were replaced. Inappropriate elements that were altered during the kindergarden era were removed and replaced with traditional design. For instance, the exterior walls were repainted with a colorful mural that had to be removed and replastered with traditional whitewash as the cement plaster was causing damage to the historic brick wall underneath.


The restored courtyard will be used as project field office and a base to conduct research and promotion of the conservation activities. Other future restored courtyards can develop after the same model and be used as education, entertainment and exhibition spaces for the community and visitors.

Figure 5a No.12 Mijia Xiang, before the restoration

Figure 5b No.12 Mijia Xiang, before and during the restoration.


Figure 5c No.12 Mijia Xiang, after restoration Fanjia Jie historic area In addition to restoring individual courtyards, GHF is also working with the local government on saving an entire historic street area. This includes all the historic courtyards along the street and also its traditional streetscape. Fanjia Jie (Fan Family Street) is chosen as the pilot historic street conservation area. It is an intact and representative historic street in Pingyao Ancient City that retains historic courtyards from Qing to early Republic periods. The street measures 205.5m long and has 31 courtyards in total, covering a total area of 17583.2m2. The street has 1 county level protection site and 19 historic courtyards. The scope of work will include authentic restoration of selective courtyards, conservation of traditional streetscape, and restoration fund incentive for qualifying property owners. The goal of the project is to create a pleasant living

Figure 6 Streetscape of Fanjia Jie.


environment in historic residences while maintaining the building integrity; and to provide visitors an insight into the authentic traditional courtyard life of the Ancient City’s residents.

Figure 7 No.3 Fanjia Jie has one of the most exquisite wood carving details in Pingyao. The survey of all courtyards on Fanjia Jie has being completed and a detailed proposal is underway. The Shanxi Province Ministry of Construction has provided a budget of 10milion RMB (approx. $1.46M USD) for the project. The local government will provide funding improvements in infrastructure, demolition and relocation of inappropriate structures, and the actual construction/restoration costs. GHF will provide matching fund and technical support in areas of historic structure repair and rehabilitation, restoration fund incentives for qualifying property owners.


Figure 8 A classic late Ming style courtyard, No. 5 Fanjia Jie.

Figure 9a, 9 b Western influence in No.6 Fanjia Jie, an early Republic Period courtyard.


Revitalization of traditional arts and crafts As a living city, Pingyao’s value does not lie only in its tangible heritage; the intangible heritage, including the authentic lifestyle of the original inhabitants, is an integral part of the significance of the Ancient City. In order to protect Pingyao’s unique traditional crafts and folk arts, research, survey, and documentation of endangered intangible heritage in Pingyao has been carried out. After consultation with local experts, selected traditional arts and crafts are listed as protection and development subjects, including: traditional cuisines (wine, snack, pasta, vinegar, etc.), wood block printing, clay and wood sculpture, weaved vessels, and the unique Shage Opera Figurines (see Appendix 1 for more information on the crafts).

Figure 10 The creation of the unique Shage Opera Figurine.

Figure 11 Shage opera figurines created by Master Ji.


Craftsmen of endangered or disappearing crafts have been identified to work with the project. Many of them will not be able to continue the trade without GHF support. GHF is collaborating with the local Pingyao Television Station to produce a documentary series on the traditional art and crafts.

Figure 12 Wood block print created through GHF support.

The next step will involve the continuation and training of the traditional crafts, educational and commercial developments of the crafts/products for the community and visitors. The venue for these activities will be provided for by the historic courtyard conservation and rehabilitation program. Conclusion On May 23rd 2009, GHF and the local team organized a display of the above described efforts in the restored No.12 Mijia Xiang, GHF’s pilot courtyard. Specially invited guests including local government officials, GHF donors, board members, fellow professionals and local media joined in the inauguration of the restored courtyard, and witnessed the supported arts and crafts, including wood block printing, Shage opera figurines and wood sculpture, live in action. GHF China Program Manager, Kuanghan Li, gave a presentation on the progress of the collaborative project; after which, GHF Executive Director Jeff Morgan and Pingyao County Magistrate Li Feizhong, signed a 3- year agreement to continue the partnership in preserving Pingyao Ancient City. Both parties are very satisfied with the progress being made so far and will continue the effort to preserve the unique Pingyao Ancient City.


Figure 13 Display of traditional crafts supported by GHF at No.12 Mijia Xiang, May 23rd 2009.

Figure 14 Wood block printing demonstration at No.12 Mijia Xiang, May 23rd 2009.


Figure 15 Pingyao county party secretary Li Dingwu looking at the wood sculpting.

Figure 16 Picture of all key players from GHF, Pingyao County, Shanxi Province and Tongji University at No.12 Mijia Xiang on May 23rd 2009.


Appendix 1 • Wood block printing Wood block printing is the product from the era of feudal agricultural society; a product generated from the simple and naïve belief of the mass. The painted subjects are not humans but deities; not for aesthetic but as a talisman; not refined but sincere; not for decorations but for worshiping. One can’t fight against the wishes of the greater beings, therefore the only option is to ask for blessing from deities of every sort. The wood block printings depict images of all deities, simple, exaggerated but standardized. • Pingyao woodcarving Pingyao is the financial capital during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The wealthy merchants’ luxurious compounds are covered with rich and refined decorations. The wood carving is also used to reflect one’s commitment to Buddhist teachings. With the passing on of the wood carving technique to current days, imitation of the antiquity style has become an important characteristic. Most of the subject matters depict popular deities such as Guanyin (Avalokitasvara ) and Guan Gong, in order to cater to the preferences of wealthy businessmen. • Shage opera figurines It is a surprise to find the brilliant looking Shage opera figurines to be made of of straw-filled skeleton, clay sculpted heads and hands, and the skin and clothes out of paper. With some simple coloring, cutting and fitting of the paper costumes, the humble figurine comes to life immediately. The craft was first invented by a paper craftsman in Pingyao, Xu Liben, who made a set of 36 scenes which is still vivid and well preserved a century later. Other than the artistic value of the art form, its historical value is especially precious. This is the only visual documentation of the Shanxi opera from a hundred years ago. The existing set is now on display in Pingyao Qingxu Taoist temple. This is a unique set in China, and is a Provincial-level intangible cultural heritage. • Weaved vessels In Pingyao, traditional weaved vessels are not considered art nor even craft, but a basic skill possessed by all farmers. The peasants go out into the hills to collect small twigs from wild-grown shrubs to make household goods. The vessels ranged in size and use, and every household mastered the skills to produce them back then. A selected few who are more creative and skilled than others began to experiment with different patterns and forms, which led to the evolution from craft to art. Though most of us no longer live in a rural setting, new uses for these simple and rustic vessels add much interest in the modern household. There is a saying in Pingyao: “Weaved vessels from Shuimotou have a strong base”, a compliment to the weaving skill of Shuimotou village.


Pingyao Cultural Heritage Development Program Progress Report

Documents

Transcript of Pingyao Cultural Heritage Development Program Progress Report