Culture&Life | A village in SE China's Fujian boasting world architecture styles attracts t

Tourists take photos at a Minnan red-brick building in Wulin Village of Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

JINJIANG, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) --In Wulin Village of east China's Fujian Province, visitors are often enthralled by the medley of architectural styles: local red-brick houses, Gothic buildings, Greco-Romanesque structures, and buildings blending both Chinese and Western elements.

The eclectic blend of architectural styles vividly narrates the story of the village's connection to the overseas Chinese community. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many villagers traveled to Southeast Asia to work and sent money back to build homes. As a result, the houses often showcased a captivating fusion of exotic influences.

In recent years, over 100 former residences of overseas Chinese, once dilapidated and unattended, have been renovated and preserved under local government efforts. Many of these buildings have transformed into cultural venues, cafés, restaurants, and heritage centers. Since 2021, the village has clocked up more than 400 culturally enriching events, which are especially appealing to the younger generation.

Children take part in extracurricular activities at a historical building in Wulin Village of Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 19, 2023.(Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Tourists visit a historical building in Wulin Village of Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Wu Shaopeng (L), an art curator and descendant of overseas Chinese, demonstrates his art installation to tourists at a historical building in Wulin Village of Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 19, 2023.(Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Children have fun in Wulin Village of Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 19, 2023.(Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2023 shows a view of a historical building blending both Chinese and Western elements in Wulin Village of Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province.(Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

Tourists visit a Minnan red-brick building in Wulin Village of Jinjiang, southeast China's Fujian Province, Dec. 19, 2023.(Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)