3 Yangzhou villages named provincial traditional ancient villages

Three villages in Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, were designated as provincial traditional ancient villages, the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Jiangsu announced on Feb 23. 

The villages were Xuji village in Hanjiang district, Youfang village in Sheyanghu town, and Guolin community in Linze town in Gaoyou, a county-level city. 

Xuji village features a 400-meter-long ancient street that was one of the most prosperous fairs in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Residents of that time could buy various snacks at the street. 

Surrounded by water in four directions, Youfang village was an important military production base during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). 

Established in 1958, Guolin community is best known for its pear breeding center. 

Yangzhou is currently home to 67 traditional ancient villages.