Zhoushan Archipelago, northeastern coast of Zhejiang Province. [Photo/CGTN]

"What we do is restore the island's culture and the original appearances of old houses. Driftwood or boards from old ships, anything can be used. We want to show that things are different here from the outside world."

It's a zero-cost ecological transformation. Common things like pebbles and old tires can be redesigned and reused. These things preserve the characteristics of the villages, while carrying the hope for a better future.

Even without the impact of modern industries, time is always eroding and weathering this lonely island.

"What I want to do is to save them before they are taken by time," Chen says.