A hall recently built using the traditional architectural skills of the Xiangshan group in Suzhou.[Photo by Wang Kaihao/China Daily]

"We face bodies of water and hills are behind us ... we have good feng shui. That's why local men are born to build houses," Lu jokes. "We don't have farmlands, so that's how we escape hunger."

Lu and Xiangshan's many other carpenters do not possess college degrees but are able to do their jobs as well as professionals if not better.

Traditional Chinese carpentry uses mortise and tenon, delicately designed joints, rather than nails. Xiangshan group's techniques were included in the Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures that were listed an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2009.

"Traditional architecture in Suzhou has its unique characteristics. Their color, paintings and carving images are natural. We prefer building something that's practical yet delicate rather than just grand. Each design has its function beyond aesthetic purpose," Lu says.

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