Historical Preservation of Water Towns in the South of the Yangtze River: The Case of Nanxun Historical Water Town in China

Abstract

Today in the context of contemporary rapid economic and social development many of the Chinese historic sites are being destroyed to make a way for new development, which is resulting in the abrupt disappearance of character and identity of the unique places. Nanxun historical water town is the most representative and unique water town in the South of the Yangtze River. This paper analyzes the outstanding universal value of Nanxun historical water town, addresses the factors affecting the town such as development pressures, tourism pressures, and environmental pressures. And it proposes the protective strategy for water towns in South of the Yangtze River, so that it can provide the useful experience for other historical sites in China.