Reviving glory of ageing Chinese barbershop

Reviving Datong's original glory

In recent years, authorities have decided to develop tourism based on the history and culture of the ancient town, bringing change and hope to the shop that has lasted a century.

In 2015, the local government renovated old houses in the town, and installed modern facilities in them in 2017.

The Datong Barbershop also went through a transformation. Workers modernized the electric circuits, installed shampoo basins and faucets that invoked nostalgia, in addition to fitting electric fans and pendant lamps. The storage room on the second floor became the rest area.

The changes were part of efforts to draw more customers.

For Shi, the upgrade brought many modern elements to the shop, and he says the new features are both practical and necessary.

"After the upgrade, young people sometimes come over to get a haircut," Shi says.

Shi argues that while it is important to stick to craftsmanship, changes are inevitable in the modern era because they bring long-term development.

"You can't abandon the old craft, but you also need to bring in new things," he says. "Otherwise you will be knocked out sooner or later."

Shi hopes more young people will help pass on the craft.

"We are getting old, but we want the shop to survive," he says. "I hope that the younger generation will inherit our craft so that it does not die out."