Sharing cultures, building connections

Job creation

Wu Yuming, director of Xidi Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Center, spent over two decades as a tour guide before taking on her current role.

After the villages were inscribed on the UNESCO list, residents developed a community agreement governing the renovation and maintenance of historic homes.

"If you need to repair any part of it, you must submit a proposal and apply for approval. Any interior decoration or beautification must be done without compromising the main structure," Wu said.

She said the revival of these ancient villages has created abundant local jobs — many villagers now run guesthouses, homestays, private kitchens or coffee shops right on their doorsteps.

"As we protect the old houses, it brings tangible economic benefits to villagers," she said. "We don't have to go out — we can earn a living right here. That gives us even more motivation to protect our ancestral homes."

He Yi, mayor of Huangshan, frames this approach in broader terms. "We cannot sidestep the new demands and challenges that modern life brings," he said.

"Instead, we must enable our historical buildings to actively embrace contemporary living. We want the original owners, the local villagers, to become the guardians, operators, and beneficiaries of these ancient structures.

"Only when those who protect the heritage truly benefit from it can preservation be sustained over the long run," He said.

"It is not easy to keep an old city vibrant while preserving its historical character," said Frank-Bertolt Raith, head of the Office for Planning and Construction of Stralsund, who visited Huangshan with Badrow in May. "I think Huangshan has done an excellent job."