Wuyuan puts up centuries-old houses for 'adoption'

Wuyuan, an eastern China county loved by many for its pastoral beauty, is finding a novel way to give a new life to centuries-old houses that have fallen into disrepair.

People can "adopt" those rundown buildings and have them renovated as many owners lack funds or skills. Some have been redesigned into stylish boutique hotels sought after by travellers from across the country.

The attempt aims to complement a recent building protection drive, which listed key buildings to be maintained. The buildings up for adoption did not make it on the official list because they are not old enough to be eligible for government-funded protection.

Wu Zhixuan, 41, was the first outsider to rent and renovate a house in Wuyuan. He turned it into a village inn.

When Wu visited Wuyuan in 2008, he said he was taken aback by the local houses, many of which are in a Hui style featuring gray tiles and white walls.

Hui architecture can be seen across China in exquisite homes, ancestral halls and memorial archways.

As many houses are in a dire state, Wu, who has a degree in civil engineering, felt it was his civic duty to stay and do something.

He rented Jiusi Hall on a 40-year lease for 800,000 yuan (around US$120,000) in total.

The 500-square-meter house in Luoyun Village has two halls, a kitchen and a backyard. It was built in 1902.

"It looked good but was in a bad state of repair," said Wu. He recalled that the second floor collapsed when his friend was filming the space. "My friend was so cool about it, he just held on to a beam," he laughed.

In 2011, Jiusi Hall opened to the public after renovation work that cost one million yuan preserved many of the original features -- wooden doors, brick walls, paved courtyard and elegant wood carvings.

Wu added modern characteristics to the house, such as soundproofing, air conditioning and modern bathrooms.

'Adoption' wave

The renovation project was the start of the adoption craze.

Wuyuan has more than 4,000 ancient houses, many built over a period of 600 years, up to the end of the Qing Dynasty (1911).

So far, more than 110 houses in Wuyuan have been rented or purchased by outsiders.