Sanfang Qixiang, an ancient area in Fuzhou, Fujian province, was granted the title of 2015 Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation by UNESCO.

Gu Rong, officer of the Beijing office for the Asia-Pacific region of UNESCO, came to Fuzhou on Jan 26 to present Sanfang Qixiang with the award.

It was yet another honor for the historic district to go along with "one of China's first 30 historic districts" and "national 5A scenic spot."

Fuzhou dates back more than 2,200 years, and Sanfang Qixiang is unrivalled as a place for gaining an appreciation of its history and culture. With 159 well-preserved buildings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (A.D. 1644-1911) dynasties, Sanfang Qixiang is regarded as a living fossil of China's ancient community and an architectural museum representing the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Since 2006, Fuzhou has invested 4.6 billion yuan ($699.11 million) to renovate the district, including the facilities, courtyards, ancient trees, wells and bridges.

UNESCO acclaimed Fuzhou's effort to preserve the originality of the area. The Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation recognizes the efforts of private individuals and organizations that have successfully restored and conserved structures and buildings of heritage value in the region.