Global Heritage Fund - Pingyao city, China

Our support

We have been providing support towards the work of the Global Heritage Fund in Pingyao city, Shanxi province, China. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Pingyao was the first banking capital of China. It is now renowned for its well-preserved ancient city wall and buildings, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our specific support is towards a programme of training and market development for traditional woodblock handicrafts in Pingyao - this began in 2010 and is being further developed in 2011.

This project is in line with UN Millennium Development Goal 1, which aims to "Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger", and Goal 7, which aims to "Ensure environmental Sustainability".

We classify this as a social enterprise award. For more on our interest in "social enterprise", see this page.

Background to our partner (see also here)

The Pingyao County Government and Global Heritage Fund are undertaking a collaborative effort to preserve the cultural heritage of the ancient city, using comprehensive and systematic approaches as part of an integrated planning, conservation and development programme. The project aims to preserve the vernacular architecture, revitalise and stimulate the traditional arts and establish special historic areas.

Photos courtesy of Global Heritage Fund.

The Heritage Development Programme, to which the Trust is contributing, is supporting training for the remaining skilled craftspeople and artisans to pass on and preserve the traditional craft of woodblock printing, part of the city's unique living heritage. Older experienced craftspeople are training the next generation in these ancient skills. The team at Pingyao is already working on the development of new markets for their products.

In addition, as part of the wider programme, a selection of restored courtyards are serving as venues where creation of traditional arts and specialty products and participation and observation by visitors is possible. Community classes are also being conducted at the restored courtyards.

This integrated, sustainable program addresses the economic imbalance of the current tourism landscape and preserves the last remaining endangered historic courtyards and living arts and cultural heritage, sustaining the authenticity and character of Pingyao Ancient City.