Shanxi province aims to strengthen the preservation of its traditional and ancient villages by enforcing a protection list this year, Taiyuan Evening News reported.

Traditional villages are precious heritage sites in terms of research, historical and cultural continuity. Many historic villages are facing a crisis of decay and demolition due to rapid urbanization and industrialization.

According to local authorities, Shanxi will step up efforts to identify, survey and register historic villages. Villages that have been deemed of high conservation value will be enrolled on the list of key historic sites for further protection.

Additional measures to build up a long-term preservation and development plan for historic villages are also expected.