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Dragon and lion dances staged in Chongren ancient town on Wednesday. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] Chongren ancient town, nestled in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, stands as a beacon for the preservation of ancient architecture, setting a commendable example in safeguarding historical buildings. Encompassing a sprawling 30-hectare expanse in the northwest of Shengzhou, the town boasts a wealth of cultural heritage sites, comprising architectural complexes, temples, ancestral halls, and ancient wells dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) up to the early 20th century. Wang Xinjun, director of the Shengzhou Cultural Relics Protection Center, highlighted the comprehensive restoration initiative undertaken since 2012, spanning four phases aimed at reviving the ancient buildings. As the fourth phase nears completion, Wang emphasized the meticulous approach to preserving the original features of the structures while addressing safety concerns, ensuring that the historical essence of the buildings remains intact.   Local students are engaged in social activities in the town. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] Local engagement plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these sites, with each ancient complex, now housing multiple households, appointing a group leader recommended by the community. These leaders oversee sanitation and identify potential threats to the buildings, fostering a sense…

In the realm of captivating television dramas, "Longing Heart Season 2" emerges as a beacon of storytelling prowess and artistic depth. Recently announced to premiere exclusively on Jiangsu TV's Happiness Theater platform starting July 8th, the series is poised to continue its spellbinding narrative journey that began with its acclaimed first season. Adapted from Tong Hua's novel of the same name, "Longing Heart" transports viewers to a period of tripartite rivalry among the kingdoms of Xi Yan, Hao Ling, and Chen Rong. At its heart is the protagonist Wang Ji, also known as "Xiao Yao," who endures a century of tumultuous trials only to find solace in the tranquil town of Qingshui, where she becomes known as Wen Xiaoliu. Xiao Yao's cousin, Wang Sunjuan, traverses the vast wilderness in search of her, while Xiaoliu unwittingly saves the life of Tu Shanjing, a noble scion of Qing Qiu, forging a bond that blossoms into romance amid their daily interactions. Later, Xiaoliu becomes acquainted with Xiang Liu through a series of serendipitous encounters, eventually forming a deep bond of camaraderie. The path to reunion with Sunjuan proves fraught with challenges and twists before their eventual recognition. When "Longing Heart Season 1" aired…