Issues and Strategies for the Conservation of the Artificial Water System in Hongcun, China

Abstract

Since 2012, the Chinese Government has proposed the preservation concept of the “Traditional Village” in order to conserve the heritage of historic centres at the village-scale throughout China, which are being profoundly influenced by modernization. However, subject to the limitations of awareness levels, the conservation of the “Traditional Village” only focuses on the historic buildings within the Historic Centre and, there is a lack of focus on equally valuable cultural landscapes, open spaces and environments. Hongcun Traditional Village has been chosen as the case study of this paper and focuses on the conservation of its remarkable artificial water systems. The paper discusses the impacts and issues caused by the local conservation policies and practical interventions on Hongcun’s artificial water system over the last 20 years. The paper concludes by proposing a provisional methodological approach and treatment solutions for the conservation of Hongcun’s artificial water system, which is largely based on learning from European experiences.