Modern touches help safeguard Suzhou's past

Repairs underway

Repair work began this month on many old houses in Suzhou, using original materials and craftsmanship. Flowers and plants have been transplanted, and rockeries and ponds reconfigured in courtyards and gardens.

Toilets have been renovated, streets and alleyways beautified, a new sewage system built, and local households now boast tap water, flush toilets and internet access.

These significant improvements have been welcomed by residents who have long lived on Pingjiang Road.

Jiang Qing, who has lived on the road for more than 30 years, said: "Many of my relatives now want to spend their holidays at my house. They prefer it to the numerous five-star hotels in Suzhou.

"Life was very different before the government began to make improvements to the environment. My relatives even refused to eat at my home, because they thought the nearby river was smelly. Mosquitoes were also everywhere."

To better restore and protect the road, the authorities in Gusu implemented the Ancient City Cellular Anatomy Project in 2020, conducting in-depth investigations in the 54 neighborhoods of the ancient city, which cover an area of 14.2 square kilometers.

The project, a finely detailed conservation initiative, was launched by the Suzhou National Historical and Cultural Famous City Protection Zone and Gusu district. It is the first of its kind among the 140 historical and culturally renowned cities in China.

Traditional residential and other structures feature in the project, as well as additional elements, forming the "basic cells" that constitute the ancient city's framework.

A comprehensive survey is being conducted to cover all aspects of the ancient city's neighborhoods and protect historical remains. A digital image of the old city is being created by using collected data and digital technology.

The image will feature more than 4,000 protected objects in 18 categories throughout Gusu. A Digital City Operation and Management Center will also be established to enhance management efficiency by using artificial intelligence.

This year's meetings of the city's legislature and political advisory body, which are known as Suzhou's two sessions, set a goal for renovation work on 50 old residential communities to be completed before the end of December.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, Suzhou aims to renovate 347 old residential communities, benefiting 107,000 households.

The city is exploring a new approach of "development in conservation, and conservation in development".

Preserving and renovating ancient houses brings new vitality to these properties through the introduction of fresh business formats, ensuring that inheritance and action go hand in hand, and striking the best balance between preservation and use.

Fang, the district chief, said this is the only way in which these ancient houses "truly come to life".

As the first, and currently the only, national historical and cultural city conservation zone in China, Gusu will further innovate conservation, Fang added.

"By adhering to the philosophy of 'use is the best protection', Suzhou is striving to expedite the revitalization and use of its ancient buildings and old houses. This initiative features not only government leadership and participation from State-owned enterprises, but also the increasing involvement of market entities and social capital," Fang said.