Workers repair an ancient building. [Photo/Xinhua]

However, Shanxiayang village is not the oldest in Songyang county. Zhoushantou village was founded in the late Song Dynasty (960-1279), and it has a history of over 740 years. By the end of 2014, 50 villages in Songyang county had been enrolled in the list of national ancient villages.

Bao Jianfa, a representative of Hengzhang village, said that old houses are a valuable treasure left by older generations. However, those houses needed repair for years due to the lack of money. "The project brings us the hope to save those old houses," he said.

Li Xiaojie, the former director of the State Administration of Culture Heritage, talked with experts to seek solutions for repairing the old building. "Saving the old buildings will also help villagers improve their lives," he said.