Ruan Yisan's relentless quest
By admin on 2014-12-26

Known for his relentless and tireless efforts in preserving China's disappearing water towns and fading heritage, 76-yearold Ruan Yisan's latest book Jiangnan Guzhen or Work of Protection for Historical Buildings and Environment of Ancient Water Towns in Jiangnan, reveals his personal struggles, failures and resounding successes in preserving and resurrecting endangered towns along the Yangtze River.

"Ruan Yisan is the protector and salvager of water towns. This book outlines his persistence and invaluable preservation work, especially the repair and renovation of ancient wooden structures – with lots of practical examples and integrated plans for each town," commented Yu Ying, editor of Ruan's new book.
 
Working in the field of architectural preservation and urban conservation for 52 years and serving as a professor at Shanghai's Tongji University, Ruan turned his focus to restoring China's water towns after successful work in the ancient city of Pingyao gave him the confi dence to follow his childhood dream.
 
"I still remember the experience of sitting in a slowmoving boat, passing bridges and listening to the sound of the river," Ruan said, recalling the days when as a young boy, he and his family would travel with his father, selling their wares along the Yangtze.
 
Revisiting the water towns as a university student, Ruan said that he was deeply moved by the destruction and demolition that had occurred since he was a child. "I was sad, cold in my heart," he told the Global Times.
 
Inspired to begin detailed research of water towns in 1986, countless failed attempts of trying to convince local people of the benefi ts of preservation saw Ruan stumble upon the town of Zhouzhuang in Jiangsu Province.
 
"There were beautiful examples of ancient architecture dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, (1368-1911) in a layout typical of water towns, I made up my mind to protect them."
 
Ruan convinced local residents to support his ideas by initiating a preservation project with 5,000 yuan ($732) of his own money. (The average annual income of a peasant in 1985 was 400 yuan ($58)). He garnered support from provincial officials and together they restored and rebuilt the town to its original condition.
 
At the time, many people were focused on economic development, often demolishing signifi cant landmarks and homes and replacing them with revenue-generating business or attractions. 

"During urbanization of many Chinese towns, more and more places faced the danger of reconstruction," Ruan explained.
 
"Most people removed their houses and built factories and roads to make money at that time."
 
One of the strategies that Ruan used to get people onboard with his conservation efforts, was to help establish a local shoe factory just outside the town, ensuring that local residents had an income stream.
 
Ten years in execution and after hundreds of visits to Zhouzhuang, Ruan's efforts paid off, with the town restored to its former beauty. His expertise was called upon again in 2000 when people tried to build a road through the center of the old town. Immediately calling on the Jiangsu provincial authorities and physically standing in front of the bulldozer, Ruan managed to halt proceedings, reroute the road to outside the old town and retain the ancient city's tranquility and historic value.
 
Replicating his success from Zhouzhuang, Ruan implemented similar strategies in 12 towns along the Yangtze River, six of which have since been listed as UNESCO world heritage sites.
 
Ruan told the us that despite the risks that he has endured, the benefi ts of such preservation efforts are worth it, for all of humanity.
 
"In Europe, old towns around the city are kept very well, they are important destinations of historical importance and serve as an escape from busy city life."
 
Ruan explained it is not only the architecture that is important, but also the relationship between old structures, the environment and people.
 
"By keeping the bridges and lanes, people stay close with the water," he said. "The ancient architecture is a harmonious coexistence between nature and human beings."
 
A member of the Expert Committee of National Historic City Conservation, Ruan has been involved in the preservation of several signifi - cant old towns and cities in China including Pingyao and Lijiang, both UNESCO world heritage sites.
 
"I want to keep the spirit of Chinese culture; all of these old houses [and towns] are so important and serve as a signifi cant reference for the future."
 
"The structure of old Chinese houses reflects the ancient way of life. Courtyard homes are circled by di_ erent rooms, with family members of three generations living together, they have a close relationship with each other."
 
"In Xitang, we focused on its ancient corridor along the river and treated the local community as one unit. In Wuzhen, the waterside pavilion is quite unique and in Nanxun, there is so much charm in its grand garden houses built by rich merchants who had economic importance in Chinese history."
 
Due to the Yangtze River's proximity to Shanghai, Ruan said that he hopes the influx of tourists to the city for this year's Expo, will take some time out to consider China's old towns and enjoy the ancient history and beautiful structures of a different age, hundreds of years ago.