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More support appealed for Hakka Earth Buildings

By Hu Meidong and Wei Tian (China Daily Fujian Bureau)
Updated: 2011-01-20 14:33

More government support should be put into the development of Fujian Tulou (Hakka Earth Building) tourism, Ban Futian, member of Fujian People's Congress, appealed at the province's top political conference.

"To preserve the heritage and guarantee a sustained development, new policies should be set for its land plan, while more investment should be poured to upgrade the infrastructure around the site," Ban said.

The Hakka Earth Buildings in Yongding County are the main bodies of the World Cultural Heritage in Fujian. A total of 23 Hakka buildings were selected into the world's most cherished scenic spot by UNESCO.

The county government has implemented a 175-hectares land development plan for the site since 2009, including building three hotels and expansion of four highways, with a total investment of 1.5 billion yuan ($228 million).

During his visit to Yongding on 2010 New Year's Eve, President Hu Jintao pointed out that the Hakka Earth Buildings were treasure of Chinese culture and an example of a harmonious society thus deserves well protection and smart application.

The spirit was quickly applied to the development plan of Hakka Earth Buildings. The folk culture village is now underway for applying the national 5A scenic spot, while other protection and development programs also speed up. Tourism industry is set to be the next pillar industry for the county.