"My uncle is very keen on learning about this house," said Lin Shangsheng, a nephew of Lin Rigeng. "He writes down information about every description of the house when experts talk about them, and then looks them up on the Internet. The next time he receives visitors, he includes the new knowledge in his introduction."
Over the past two decades, Lin has become the most famous guide for tulou in his hometown, not only for his rich knowledge of the architecture, but his passion about the building and his job.
He starts each morning in front of the building wearing a black suit and wireless microphone. As soon as a tour bus arrives, Lin welcomes the tourists with a big smile.
"I'm the third-generation owner of the building," he says loud and clear with a strong Hakka accent. "I'm not as well educated as most of you, but I'll do my best to ensure you a good tour around my home."
Though Lin owns the building, it is shared with 70 other people from 14 households. Most of them have opened grocery stores for visitors.
Visitors on Lin's tour get to visit the family's living room on the first floor. Photos going back generations line the walls, and below each is written their educational background.
Most are graduation photos from prestigious universities. Under Lin's photo are the words "primary school graduation".
Lin looks shy whenever visitors point this out and laugh.
"I didn't have much education, but over the decades I have found tulou a profound book to read. In there are so many stories to tell and so much more still to learn," he said.
By Zhang Yue
Print
Save