A 700-year-old village in Guangzhou, China, is capturing international attention by blending ancient heritage with modern revitalization efforts. Langtou Village, once facing decline, has transformed into a model of rural rejuvenation through cultural preservation and innovative partnerships.
Langtou Village (塱头村), renowned for its well-preserved Ming and Qing-era architecture and scholarly history, had grappled with population decline and crumbling infrastructure for decades. As younger residents moved to cities, the village's ancient halls and courtyards fell into disrepair.
The turnaround began in 2021 when local government, corporate support, and village collectives formed an unconventional alliance. With $2 million in public funding and matching philanthropic investment, they launched a preservation-focused revival project.
Central to Langtou's renewal is the "ChunYangTai" arts center, designed by architect Zhang Yonghe. The structure features rooftop lotus ponds—a nod to the village's traditional landscapes—and houses a library with rare texts, including historical Chinese and European manuscripts. Rather than displacing residents, the project integrated them: old homes were converted into cafes, guesthouses, and cultural spaces, with rents paid to villagers.
Global Recognition and Local Impact
Langtou's approach has drawn praise beyond China. It was featured at the 2024 Venice Architecture Biennale and won a top award at China's inaugural Rural Cultural Industries Competition. Social media buzz grew when foreign influencers visited, participated in farming activities, and shared their experiences online. Tourism has surged here; weekend visitors increased from a few hundred to over 6,000, boosting local income by an average of $550 per resident annually.
Huang Zhiyun, Secretary of the Party Branch of Langtou Village, emphasizes the need for ongoing investment to expand amenities like parking and lodging, ensuring tourism benefits both Langtou and neighboring communities. The village is also exploring digital tools, including AI-assisted tourism services, to enhance visitor experiences.
Author | Feng Huiting
Poster | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
