The ancient cities of Pingyao and Qixian counties have recently received further support from Shanxi Provincial Government and Agence Fran?aise de Développement (French Development Agency) in protecting their ancient cities and culture.

The provincial government passed a revised draft of the "Regulations on Protection of the Ancient City of Pingyao" which gives Pingyao government certain powers and obligations in managing the ancient city.

Money for Qixian county was included in a loan of 70 million euros ($82.08 million) made by the French Development Agency. The funds were used to protect the ancient city of Qixian county and preserve local culture, while promoting the local tourist industry.

The program, which pioneered methods for protecting ancient cities and utilizes foreign expertise and experience, will seek to protect the ancient buildings of Shanxi while still drawing profit from them by allowing them to be visited by tourists.