A rendering of the ancient building complex in downtown Nantong. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

A building complex consisting of ancient houses built in the style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties in Nantong is currently under restoration, which is expected to be completed in June 2022, local media outlets reported.

Covering a total area of 3,000 square meters, the building complex is located on No 10 and No 11 Nanguandimiao Lane in Xinanying Historical and Cultural Block of Sijie Street, which is the oldest existing historical site in downtown Nantong.

According to historical records, the first owner of the complex was Wang Bin, who settled here after leaving the post of deputy chief of Haimen in the late Qing Dynasty.

The site was used as a government kindergarten after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Before its restoration, there were a dozen families living there.

The contractor of the restoration project is Beijing-based Huaijian Group, which has restored several historical sites under State protection, such as the Baoyun Building of the Palace Museum and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

Officials said that the project is meant to revive the old buildings by retaining its historic properties, while installing facilities like lights, sewage, firefighting facilities, and monitoring systems.