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Expert Group Guide the Cultural Relics Rescue Protection Work in Yunnan Yingjiang Earthquake-stricken Area
  PublishDate:2011-04-02  Hits:2563
On March 21st to 25th, an expert group led by Tong MingKang, deputy director of the State Administration of Culture Heritage, paid a visit to the earthquake-stricken areas of Yingjiang County in Yunnan Province, providing guidance to the rescue and protection oflocal heritage propeties. The group consisted of experts coming from different professional domains, such asancient architecture, planning, and geotechnical engineering. Xiongzheng Yi, Deputy Director-General of the Cultural Department of Hunan Province, accompanied on the inspection tour.

Yingjiang County lies in the southwest of Yunnan Province and to the northwest of Dehong area. About 25 ethnic groups including Dai and Jingpo natioanlies settle in the area. With abundance of cultural heritage resources, it boasts a total of 79 cultural heritage sites and properties, including one under state protection and 2 under provincial. On March 10th, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Yingjiang County, causing damages to local cultural properties at all levels. The national cultural heritage Yunyan Pagoda has suffered a relatively severe damage. In addition to a 15-meter-long crack in its main pagoda, 20 of the 40 affiliated pagodas around its 5-storey altar platform have collapsed, leaving the rest 20 loosened or displaced; therefore emergent measures are in need to strengthen the entire structure. Local departments in charge of cultural relics have worked on the collection of the scattered parts under the guidance of Yunnan Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage, and warning signs and isolated belts have been set up to prevent serious secondary hazards.

As soon as its arrival, the expert group has got about the inspection on the damage conditions of Yunyan Pagoda, Dao Anren Tomb and other properties, giving guidance to the next steps of restoration and protection. On March 24th, an earthquake relief field meeting was held by the group. Tong Mingkang pointed out in the meeting that Yunyan Pagoda, as an outstanding model of religious architecture with local character, presents a symbol of unity and integration of ethnic groups in southwest China, hence has a very unique significance. While adopting advices given by experts, we should also take account to the local ethnic-craft culture, and make full use of the skills of local craftsmen. The next day, a working meeting was jointly hosted by the group and Yunnan provincial administration of cultural heritage to further work on the feasibility of restoration and protection plan.

During their inspection, the group also paid a tour to Guoshang Cemetery of Tengchong County, He Shun Library and Xuanfu Chieftain Office at Nandian, and other cultural sites.

 

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