The renovation of Yuqingtang ancient stage in Qimen county, Anhui province, is drawing to an end.

The ancient stages were delicately built with unique local characteristics of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties and were listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit. The architectures are both useful and artistic, preserving the tradition of Hui-style architecture through unified decoration and exquisite structure.

They are also precious historical structures for research on theater arts, folk customs and architecture. They have deep historical, cultural and scientific value.

In order to make good use of these treasures, Qimen county launched a campaign to protect ancient dwellings with special financial support. Many ancient stages have also been renovated.

As the most typical of the county's existing 11 ancient stages, the Yuqingtang ancient stage is one of the county’s major renovation projects this year.

“The renovation started in May and 90 percent of the project has been finished. It will be completed by the end of November,” said Cheng Qifa, a representative from the construction team.

The renovated stages will be an ideal place for all kinds of activities, such as dances, operas and weddings, according to Pan Fagen, a 82-year-old resident in Xin'an town in the county.

“Situated at the juncture of Anhui and Jiangxi province, our town has embraced the cultures of the two provinces. The renovation project will not only enrich the cultural activities of local residents, but also boost the exchange of culture and trade,” said Zhao Songling, an official from Xin’an town.

Xin'an is a major distribution center of tea, edible fungus and Chinese herbal medicines for Anhui and Jiangxi. The annual volume of agricultural trade has reached more than 10 million yuan ($1.63 million), Zhao added.

The whole renovation project of ancient stages in Qimen will be finished in three years.

Edited by Michael Thai, Huang Pei