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Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings in China: Controversy over Cultural Relics Protection Caused by the Restoration of Yongding Gate

author:ying

As a researcher with a passion for history, I have an in-depth understanding of the evolution of China's historic buildings and their conservation strategies. As early as 1992, the Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics emphasized the principle of priority of protection and restricts the reconstruction of damaged sites such as monuments and monuments. However, in reality, there are still some historical buildings that have been repaired or even demolished for various reasons, which makes us pay more attention to their conservation.

Reconstruction of Yongding Gate

In 2003, according to the building law of the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, a large-scale renovation was carried out on Yongding Gate to restore its former style. As Asia's largest railway hub, the station is so successful that it has been included in the architecture curriculum of Tsinghua University and Tongji University, and is among the top stations in the Far East. The renovated Yongding Gate attracts a large number of tourists with its unique charm. However, this move has caused controversy over heritage preservation regulations and prompted public debate on the balance between restoration and conservation of historic buildings.

Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings in China: Controversy over Cultural Relics Protection Caused by the Restoration of Yongding Gate
The demolition of the old railway station in Jinan and the construction of the new station

In 1992, when the troubled Jinan 100-year-old railway station was about to be demolished, it was able to return to its original site after seven years of repairs, but despite this, some citizens still criticized it for being "delocalized and too similar". This controversy has aroused widespread concern and discussion in the society, leading people to think deeply about the relationship between the preservation of historic buildings and urban renewal, and at the same time to explore how to achieve the harmonious integration of tradition and modernity in the modern urban environment.

The rise and fall of Yifengmen

The Yifeng Gate built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty is located at the foot of the Lion Mountain and is the key pass of the Nanjing City Wall. However, in the 30s of the 20th century, it was renamed Xingzhongmen, symbolizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Unfortunately, in the 50s of the 20th century, Yifengmen suffered serious damage. It was not until 2006 that the monument was successfully restored and adapted to the needs of traffic, changing the single ticket gate to a triple ticket gate, realizing the integration of history and modernity.

The fate of Jinma and Biji changes

The devastation of the 6th-century ancient Jinma Biji complex has led to greater attention to the protection of historical and cultural heritage, focusing on the issue of how to pass on history and culture in the process of urbanization.

Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings in China: Controversy over Cultural Relics Protection Caused by the Restoration of Yongding Gate
The rise and fall of the three towers

Jiaxing Three Towers Ancient Building Group was built in the Tang and Song dynasties, originally Longyuan Temple, and then was seriously damaged due to the construction of the cement plant in the 70s of the 20th century, leaving only three isolated chimneys. This incident has sparked an in-depth discussion on how to balance the protection of historical heritage with economic development and cultural heritage protection.

The legend of the glazed pagoda of Dabao'en Temple

In 1412 A.D., the glazed pagoda in the Dabao'en Temple in Nanjing, China was completed, and it was revered as a treasure of Chinese culture because of its high historical and artistic value. However, during the Taiping civil strife of 1856, the pagoda was tragically destroyed. In order to recreate the splendor of this historical symbol, the mainland completed the restoration of it in 2015, showing the unique style of ancient Chinese architecture.

The transformation and restoration of the Ming Tower

The photos of the Ming Tower, which has experienced many vicissitudes, have been preserved to this day, witnessing the public's attention and dedication to the protection and restoration of historical buildings and the inheritance of history and culture. Today, a new building, which was lovingly restored in 2008, stands in front of you.

Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings in China: Controversy over Cultural Relics Protection Caused by the Restoration of Yongding Gate
Restoration and restoration of the Big Buddha

Over the years, the Buddha has undergone changes, gradually evolving from Figure 1 to Figure 4, and after many changes and restorations, the form has been able to show a new artistic style. This journey reveals the outstanding achievements of historical heritage conservation and restoration technology, and at the same time highlights the profound historical and cultural heritage, leading the public to deeply understand the close connection between cultural preservation and restoration and modern aesthetics.

While maintaining the historic buildings, we are able to better understand and value the unique historical and cultural heritage. These historical buildings have witnessed the changes of the times and the accumulation of culture, which are not only the link between the past and the present, but also our solemn mission to relay the inheritance of civilization.

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