Zhuhai selects 20 more cultural sites for protection

City protection has been extended to another 20 cultural relics, according to the Zhuhai Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau. Best known among them are Cuiwei Wei Manor in Qianshan and Chenghuangshen Temple in Shanchang Village of New Xiangzhou, both in Xiangzhou District.  

Ancient Cuiwei Village evinces strong cultural roots with folk customs that can be traced back six hundred years. The family clans Wu, Wei, Guo, Li, Huang, and Yang had inhabited in the village, which was home to many historically significant figures. For instance, the Wei Family residence once housed Wei Dongxuan (1800-51), famous as the first kungfu instructor in Xiangshan County -- today's Zhongshan, Zhuhai, and Macao. And, legendary revolutionist and educator Wei Que was born in Cuiwei Village in 1896. 

Shanchang Village, on the other hand, was the earliest political and economic center of Xiangshan County. At that time, senior official Tan Yu was praised for upholding justice and fair governance. After passing, he was ennobled as the local city god and a temple was built by those wishing for peace and safety.

Others of the protected seventh-batch of cultural relics include Liang Ancestral Hall in Shangzha Village of the Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (Tangjiawan). Notable historic, artistic, and scientific value was also found in Nanping Watchtower in Nanping Town and Mianshi Mansion in Dong'an Village of Tangjiawan Town.

Chenghuangshen Temple dedicated to Tan Yu [File Photo]

Selections were first nominated by district departments before undergoing strict evaluation and spot inspections. These were conducted by professionals from leading schools as well as experts specializing in relics, museology, literature, and history. The application process began in May last year.

Zhuhai currently has 74 registered cultural relics under government protection: three national, 23 provincial, 39 municipal, and nine district-level items.