TWO residential compounds in the Pudong New Area are safe from the wrecking ball after being dated to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and will soon be given protected status, local officials said yesterday.

“In March, we gathered experts from universities, architectural companies, the area’s urban planning and land administration bureau, as well as construction authorities to investigate the buildings’ age, architectural features, layout and craftsmanship,” said Zhu Di, deputy chief of the area.

“They confirmed the structures have high cultural and historical value as typical ancient folk houses in Pudong. The buildings meet standards to be recognized as immovable cultural relics, and it was agreed to list them as protected units,” he said, adding that other government departments are now formalizing their protected status.