The experience of revitalizing traditional buildings and cultivating traditional building craftsmen in Yongtai county, located in Fuzhou city, capital of East China's Fujian province, was recognized recently. 

It was included on the list of replicable experience for the protection and utilization of traditional villages, released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

In terms of the revitalization of traditional buildings, a disused hydroelectric power station in Yuezhou village, Songkou town, Yongtai county was transformed into a village public bookstore.

This built a platform for traditional cultural exchanges, by integrating modern design concepts while preserving traditional architectural structures and appearances.

With regards to the training of traditional building craftsmen, Yongtai county has been active. It has explored a talent development model that combines school research, base practices and grassroots services, carrying out activities with universities, including Xiamen University, Fuzhou University and South China University of Technology.

In addition, the county organized the 2023 International College Students Design Competition and supported the formation of a design and construction complex comprising non-local design agencies, local architects, construction teams and traditional craftsmen.

This was to identify and cultivate local talent, bolstering the protection and utilization of traditional villages.

The village public bookstore in Yongtai county is converted from a disused hydroelectric power station. [Photo/FZ Evening News]