A forum on Art Intervention in Rural China has been held in Beijing, with experts discussing village renovation in an artistic and culture-friendly way. Three programs have been selected to draw up standards for future renovations. And among them, Qingtian village's renovation, led by contemporary artist Qu Yan, is acknowledged as the most successful example. Let's take a look.

The China Millenium Monument played host to the Art Intervention in Rural China forum, during which the 'Qingtian Style' village renovation became the focus of attention, for its outstanding success in revitalization through preservation.

Located in southern China's Guangdong province, Qingtian village, with 163 families and around 700 residents, boasts of more than 400 years' history. Without the intrusion of modern industry, the village has retained the basic layout of a traditional water town and is surrounded by a complete water system. Old-style book houses, private schools, the Temple of Lord Guan and other ancient establishments offered sufficient resources for the renovation project. A team from the Guangdong University of Technology along with Qu Yan were responsible for the design of the renovations.

QU YAN CHIEF DESIGNER "Our work should be based on the principles of preserving the original look of the villagers' homes, but including modern functions for living. Look, it is so beautiful. Never make any changes on this."

Qu Yan is one of China's first generation of avant-garde artists and a representative figure of the country's contemporary art scene in the 1980's. In 2000, Qu began to worry about the unbalanced development of rural areas, as well as their dying traditions and lost beliefs.

In 2007, he decided to stay in Xu village in Shanxi province, helping to turn the poverty-stricken area into a hub of traditional culture. Three years ago, the artist joined the local government and Guangdong University of Technology in initiating the Qingtian project.

QU YAN CHIEF DESIGNER "As I mentioned at the beginning, our project here is about artistic restoration instead of remaking or modernization. City planning measures are not applicable here."

In the past three years, Qu Yan, leading his team, has completed repairing the major old residential buildings in the village. Their architectural styles and historical flavor were restored. The team cared for every brick and tree, considering every change carefully.

QU YAN CHIEF DESIGNER "Villages enjoy a civilization of more than a millennium. They have their own way of growing and healing power. Intrusion from outside should be avoided as much as possible."

Qu Yan's ideal is adored by the villagers. They follow the rule of saving the old as it was, when redoing their old residences, since they've come to realize that this is where their hearts belong.

LIU BAOQING VILLAGER "My brothers and friends don't like to get together in the town, they would rather come all the way out here to drink tea and chat."

Qu Yan's efforts go beyond just saving just the look of the water town, but also strive to save the traditions and culture of the old village. The ancient book house was repaired and is used as a library and lecture hall. He also encouraged three senior village scholars to compile a village history book recording major events of the region.  

QU YAN CHIEF DESIGNER "The village's value is far from being that of architecture, historical relics and heritage. It's the value of the blood and soul of the village. A place where people have a sense of belonging and a place where people really want to stay."

SW, CGTN.