On a mission to restore old Hakka houses

In 2024, Zhong was honored with the Jiangxi Good Person award.

Like other traditional skills, he is primarily concerned with how to pass on restoration techniques to future generations. "The continuity of this skill is currently my most pressing concern. As the eldest, it is my responsibility to lead by example," Zhong said.

He willingly shares his insights and experience in repairing work with anyone who asks and recommends relevant historical and cultural materials.

In May 2018, Zhong was named a national inheritor of the Hakka enclosed house construction technique in southern Jiangxi.

Under his guidance, over 50 individuals have dedicated themselves to traditional craftsmanship, engaging in the restoration of enclosed houses. The Longnan government has also made significant efforts to revitalize these old enclosed houses.

By the end of 2023, Longnan had restored nearly a hundred enclosed houses, with over 40 of them being revitalized for active use.

Li Minghua, Zhong's nephew, has become a representative inheritor of the Hakka enclosed house construction technique. "I have trained six apprentices, some of whom show great potential. However, young people are not very interested in preserving these old houses. They prefer to work on modern housing renovations in the city," Li said.

The youngest member of Li's team is over 40 years old.

"The number of people who can master the Hakka enclosed house construction technique is very few," Lin said. "We grew up in these enclosed houses, and protecting and restoring these enclosed houses is our lifelong mission."

zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn