The wooden opera stage, built during the golden age, has neither nail, nor any other metal component.[www.baidu.com]

These villagers are encouraged to pick up their craftsmanship and revive the porcelain industry. But when I questioned them about this possibility, I saw helplessness in their eyes as well as aspirations to leave the mountain valley one day. Even though life is hard, they feel fortunate that the peace and integrity of the village has been preserved.

In the early 1980s, the village was regenerated when a Japanese folklore tour group came to Wanyao. Attracted by its reputation, the tourists revitalized the village’s connection with the outside world and called for more attention to its situation. Another turning point occurred in the 1990s when Luo Zhewen, head of the expert group under the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, paid a visit to Wanyao. Despite feeling exhausted on his arrival, Luo, in his late 70s, visited the opera stage, the dragon kiln and residences with enormous enthusiasm. When night fell, he lit a lamp and continued his tour. “Wanyao Village is qualified to apply for world heritage status,” Luo concluded.

At present, Wanyao Village is an important heritage site under protection. Locals raised funds to build a porcelain museum in which time-honored items are well preserved. The village is also praised as “a famous historical and cultural village of China” and “the most beautiful village of Zhejiang Province.” Increasingly more tourists come to this place.

Strolling through the village and seeing the historical sites, I could not help thinking about the past and future of Wanyao. Maybe only time will tell its fate.

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