Shanghai implements first legislation to protect historical and cultural towns

As part of efforts to preserve the cultural essence of Jiangnan in Shanghai, the city's regulations on the protection of historical and cultural towns took effect on Sunday, marking Shanghai's first dedicated legislation in this field.

Experts said the essence of Shanghai-style culture and that of Jiangnan — referring to the southern region of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River — is embodied not only in the historic urban fabric of the city's core districts, but also in the ancient towns scattered across its suburbs. These towns carry unique memories and spiritual legacies of Shanghai.

Shanghai is currently home to 11 national-level historical and cultural towns.