Core Viewpoint - The recent restructuring and revitalization plan for Zhangjiajie Dayong Ancient City in Hunan Province aims to enhance its operations by July next year, following significant financial losses of over 1 billion yuan in four years, highlighting the challenges faced by ancient towns and cities in China [1] Group 1: Development Challenges - Many ancient towns and cities have been developed into cultural landmarks and tourist hotspots, but some have become abandoned or unfinished projects due to blind investment and poor planning [2] - The construction boom has led to substantial waste, with local governments often prioritizing GDP growth over sustainable development, resulting in heavy debt burdens [2] - Over-commercialization has damaged historical integrity, with some areas replacing authentic structures with replicas and displacing original residents, leading to a loss of cultural essence [2] Group 2: Cultural Significance - The core value of ancient towns lies in their historical depth, with culture being the soul of a city and local residents being central to its vibrancy [3] - The construction of ancient towns should focus on protection and transmission of cultural heritage, ensuring that unique historical elements and local traditions are preserved [3] Group 3: Successful Models - Successful examples of ancient town development include Fuzhou's Sanfang Qixiang, which retains original residents and employs minor renovations to preserve historical architecture, and Zhejiang's Wuzhen, which integrates modern cultural events while maintaining its historical character [4] - The construction of ancient towns must be tailored to local conditions, prioritize protection, and involve careful decision-making to avoid a hasty approach that lacks cultural depth [4]