The local government of Lixian County, in southwest China's Sichuan Province, announced on Sunday that local residents living in an ancient stronghold will be resettled in order to protect structures that are more than 2,000 years old.

"Tourists will not stay here anymore," said Chen Lianfang, a 35-year old Qiang woman. "lt will help protect the 2,000-year old strongholds."

Taoping Village, home to 500 Qiang people, is located close to the provincial capital of Chengdu and about 2,200 kilometers southwest of Beijing.

Built in 111 BC, the ancient strongholds, which have survived sieges and earthquakes, are the best-preserved Qiang fortresses in China and the glory of the village.

Chen and her family are preparing to move their hotel as the local government shifts residents and vendors out of the ancient forts. Modern buildings such as hotels will be dismantled to restore the original appearance of the ancient architectural miracle.

About 300 of the 500 local residents are expected to move to a new village nearby by October. The new village is being built by a local tourism development company at a cost of 30 million yuan (US$3.8 million).

On a nearby mountain slope stand two nine-storey six-sided blockhouses, or diaolou, that are marvels of mathematical and geometrical technique.

The strongholds each have eight gates and 31 interconnecting corridors that lead maze-like to each household. In times of war, these corridors were used to ambush invaders. There are hidden apertures in each corridor wall.

"My family has lived here for over 2,000 years," Long Xiaoqiong, a local resident said, "and our culture is well preserved."

The fortresses have drawn photographers and tourists from all over the world. Since 2000 several million visitors have wandered the strange corridors, generating tourism revenue of more than 60 million yuan (US$7.5 million).

However, modern materials such as cement, used to build hotels inside the fortresses, have compromised the beauty and authenticity of the original structures.

Local government is considering applying for UNESCO cultural heritage status for the extraordinary buildings.

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2006)