Source:
01-13-2006 16:34
Heritage sites throughout the world are coming under threat. China has hundreds of thousands of ancient heritage sites. For many of them, the situation is become increasingly dire. China's rapid development brings new challenges. Population pressures, the demand for modern infrastructure and conveniences, pollution and increasing visitor numbers are all threatening the survival of many heritage sites throughout the country. Without proper planning and protection, many of China's heritage sites might be lost forever. Today's Documentary details how this threat is being met and what measures are being taken to protect key heritage sites.
Preserving natural and cultural heritage for future generations is a challenge for every country. For some sites, help has come too late. In many cases, it is hard to balance researchers' need to have access to sites with the need to protect them. Why should sites be protected if no one can see or visit them? In China, new technology is now helping scientists conduct research without disturbing the site.
Cultural heritage is in performance as much as in buildings. Crafts, song and dance all need protection. These intangible parts of our heritage are threatened by modern global culture which is increasingly standardized. Forms that were once popular are in danger of disappearing. China's 600-year-old Kunqu Opera is among many kinds of theatre and performance around the world on UNESCO's Intangible Heritage list.
The protection of cultural heritage is a pressing problem in China. There is a wealth of heritage sites remaining from each of China's historical periods, though many have been under pressure from the modern world. As well as heritage sites, China's diverse population has fostered equally diverse crafts, arts and musical styles. These are also under threat from modern lifestyles. As China develops with increasing speed into a vigorous modern nation, it is important that her past is not forgotten, but protected for future generations
Editor:Wang Ping
