All is well with the world. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nestled among rolling green mountains in Nanjing county, Zhangzhou, Fujian province, time feels suspended in Guanyang village.

At the foot of the peaks, lush fields stretch toward a winding creek, where eight ancient banyan trees form a natural canopy.

This village, with a history spanning over 700 years, has become a portal to the past, drawing nearly 3 million visitors each year.

Ancient Street in the Rainy Night. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The tulou, or earthen buildings, are Guanyang's most distinctive cultural treasure," explains Zhang Haitao, head of Nanjing's bureau of culture, sports, and tourism. "These structures are both intricate and rustic."

In recent years, the village has found new ways to keep its traditions alive, reviving the interiors of these ancient buildings, and introducing public spaces that encourage community gathering.

Blessings. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

New ventures, including tulou homestays, farm-to-table dining experiences, and tulou-inspired cafes, have taken root, catering to the growing appetite among travelers for cultural immersion.

This year, Guanyang hosted the opening of the Fujian cycling league, attracting hundreds of cyclists, which quickly filled every homestay and hotel. "It was a prime example of blending sports and tourism," Zhang says.

Dragon dance in Yunshuiyao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"We're introducing events like the tulou marathon, in the hopes of sharing this heritage with more people."

This tourism-driven renaissance is also bringing new energy to a once-aging community. Once predominantly home to elders, the village is now seeing a wave of young residents returning, driven by the chance to participate in its revival.

Flowing stream with the shadow of a person strolling leisurely. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Today, young people are coming back to start businesses," Zhang says, pointing to the influence on local incomes, which have tripled from over 10,000 yuan ($1,380) in 2008 to 30,000 yuan in 2023.

"Our aim is to make Guanyang village a model for rural vitalization," he says, describing a future countryside where culture thrives, the environment is preserved, and community life prospers.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong