Known for being one of the celebrated water towns in the central region of East China's Jiangsu province, Xinghua was recently formally recognized as a State-listed Famous Historical and Culture City.
These honored cities are approved by the State Council for their rich preservation of cultural relics, significant historical and cultural value and revolutionary significance.
As a result, Xinghua has become the 143rd State-listed Famous Historical and Culture City and the fourth county-level State-listed Famous Historical and Culture City in Jiangsu.
Its rich and colorful cultural relics, concentrated and contiguous historical buildings, distinctive traditional villages and extraordinary intangible cultural heritage features were deemed to be singular qualifications to apply for the honor.
Having a long and profound history, Xinghua is home to the Caoyangang Site, confirmed as a Neolithic site dating back around 7,000 years.
Elsewhere, the Xinghua Duotian agrosystem is a world-level wonder for its unique water-land utilization method in low-lying land. Its remarkable raised farmland surrounded by water and unique agricultural landform was included on the list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in 2014.
The remarkable Duotian agrosystem in Xinghua. [Photo/WeChat account:xinghuafabu]
In addition, the city is home to two extant historical and cultural blocks, 23 traditional villages, 110 cultural relic protection units, 110 historical buildings and 124 intangible cultural heritage items.
The former residence of Zheng Banqiao, a noted bamboo painter active in the 18th century, is a popular attraction in Xinghua. [Photo/WeChat account:xinghuafabu]