The project, with a total of 361 rooms covering the area of over 5,200 square meters, was built during the reign of Emperor Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty. It has safeguarded the authentic character of the vernacular housing, defensive structures and waterways that are emblematic of this site, providing a model for other historic villages across China. The conservation of Aijing Zhuang residential complex demonstrates a sensitive approach to sustaining a rural settlement as a living place in harmony with its natural setting. Aijing Zhuang in November this year received the Award of Merit in the 2018 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.