A view of Fangqiao village in Taicang, a county-level city in East China's Jiangsu. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw] 

Two villages in Taicang, a county-level city in East China's Jiangsu province, have been included in a national program aimed at protecting historical relics and culture, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Oct 26.

Forty-six villages in the province made the list.

The two places are Fuqiao town's Fangqiao and Sanshi villages.

Fangqiao village

Situated in the southwestern part of Fuqiao town, Fangqiao village features buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and has a history of more than 400 years.

The village, which has since 2018 been renovating its ancient street, has built a village history museum, an exhibition hall showcasing local agricultural products and an academy for classical learning.

Sanshi village

Best known as a well-preserved ancient village in Taicang, Sanshi village has over the past few years invested 20 million yuan ($2.84 million) to renovate its ancient street, old houses and temples.

The renovated ancient street featuring architectures of the Ming and Qing dynasties is now a popular tourist attraction.

A view of the renovated ancient street of Sanshi village in Taicang, a county-level city in East China's Jiangsu. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]