US$52.5m project will restore ancient stronghold
Print Edition
AN ancient military stronghold in northwest China’s Gansu Province is to be renovated at a cost of around 350 million yuan (US$52.5 million), local authorities said yesterday.
The project aims to reinforce and renovate the entrances and exterior defensive walls of the town of Bajiao, without altering their original appearance, according to Xiahe County’s culture and sports bureau,
Bajiao covers an area of more than 20 hectares in the Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Gannan. Records show it was once an important military stronghold.
“Some historians claim it was built in the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), while others say it was during the Tang (618-907) or Song (960-1279) dynasties,” said Sonam Je, the bureau’s deputy director.
More than 100 families live in the town and graze their cattle on the surrounding pasture. The fortifications are in danger of being destroyed by erosion. Repairs have begun on the southern enclosure, while renovation of the ancient city wall is set to begin next year.
Bajiao means “eight angles” in Chinese and the name comes from the unique formation of its exterior walls which have eight corners.
“Its defense system, with its unusual design, is rarely seen in ancient towns in China. It has great historical research value,” Sonam Je said.
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