Between old walls, new stories grow

Crafts meet change

Xue Lingen, 74, is a master restorer from the Xiangshan group, which traces its lineage to generations of artisans and architects involved in major construction projects, including the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Following in his father's footsteps, Xue helped restore almost all of Suzhou's classical gardens inscribed on the World Heritage List, as well as numerous other landmark historic buildings across the city. Yet, when invited to oversee the restoration of residential properties, he admits that the work presented a new challenge.

"We have to anticipate residents' needs and incorporate them into the blueprints," he says. "We cannot simply rely on experience."

For example, modern restorers consider how to design a space that hides air conditioner external units or how to use steel plates to reinforce an endangered wall.

As long as the remaining structure is sound and original materials can be reused, they are retained to minimize intervention, Xue says.

"Old roof ridges have a distinctive historical character, so it is better to leave them untouched, too," he adds.

Nevertheless, modern engineering techniques, including 3D laser scanning, overall structural correction and high-ductility concrete reinforcement, are employed when necessary.

Xue Dong, a garden designer and architect, is Xue Lingen's son.

"In the past, restorers of ancient buildings tended to focus more on appearances than on the needs of those using them," Xue Dong says. "But people now understand that putting a building to good use is itself an important form of protection. We are constantly seeking a balance between preserving its historical character and making it suitable for modern users."

The restoration work also incorporates academic research. As part of the latest project, Xue Dong led a study of traditional paintwork in Suzhou residences to establish reference models for future restoration projects.

"When original elements are missing, we must conduct rigorous comparative research using historical records before drawing up an appropriate restoration plan," he says.

Xu from the district's cultural heritage protection and management center likens the work to archaeology.

"Layers of the ground have accumulated over time, preserving a wealth of historical information," he says. "Unexpected discoveries also emerge when rooms are cleared out."

In a Qing-era house near Yangyu Lane, restorers uncovered an exquisite wooden carving of baofujin, a pattern resembling brocade wrapped in cloth, on a beam. The motif is commonly found in decorative paintings, but Xu says this is the only known example of it in wood carving in Suzhou.

"The project provides a valuable platform for passing down the craftsmanship of the Xiangshan group," he says. "It also allows us to nurture a new generation of restorers with a deep respect for history."

When inspecting restoration sites, Xue Lingen often carries a handwritten note to remind younger restorers of the principles they should follow. It lists 12 basic technical methods and highlights one guiding principle: "Protection is the primary mission, with rescue work given priority."

More possibilities ahead

Beyond restoring residences, the project is opening new possibilities for historic houses by involving a wider range of people in their future development.

One example is the 200-year-old Jiyang Yizhuang.

Originally established by the Ding family to educate children and support less fortunate members of the clan, it was later converted into a factory. Before restoration, as many as 20 families were living in the 933-square-meter compound. All chose to move out.

The property has since been transformed into a leisure complex, with a teahouse, restaurant and gallery, and has begun welcoming visitors.

Another prominent residence included in the project once belonged to Wu Tingshen (1773-1844), a high-ranking official who came first in the imperial examinations. Besides a small exhibition hall showcasing his life and achievements, the compound now offers dining, intangible cultural heritage experiences and creative souvenirs.

"More historic houses will find suitable ways to be revitalized," Xu says. "This will allow their full value to be brought to light."

Suzhou is one of the first two places selected for the lottery-funded conservation program, alongside Shexian county in Anhui province. Since then, the initiative has expanded to other parts of the country.

Xian Wangjuan, deputy secretary-general of the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation, says about 316 million yuan has been allocated since 2024 to support the restoration of 1,490 old buildings in 11 provinces, including Guangdong, Shaanxi, and Shandong. Their combined floor area totals 680,000 sq m, roughly equivalent to the Forbidden City.

China has registered 767,000 immovable cultural heritage sites, mainly ancient buildings and historic monuments, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration. More than 70 percent have yet to receive formal protection at the national, provincial or municipal level.

"More tailored policies, long-term mechanisms and broader participation from society will help strengthen the system for protecting and monitoring these undesignated sites," Deng Chao, deputy director of the administration, said at a news conference in Beijing last month, outlining the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for cultural heritage.