Qiaolu in Taishan, Jiangmen City, is a French-style building with a two-storey adobe structure. It was built in 1922 and designed by Zhu Jinqiao, an overseas Chinese architect in Myanmar. On October 26, an event was held there, showcasing the achievements of conservation and revitalization of buildings constructed by overseas Chinese in Taishan over the past 100 years.
The event aimed to encourage more overseas Chinese to participate in the "Hundred, Thousand, and Ten Thousand Project" (a project that promotes high-quality development of counties, towns, and villages in Guangdong) and attracted over 50 members of Zhu Jinqiao's family to witness the latest developments at Qiaolu.
Guests viewed a photo exhibition at the event.
A staff member from Qiaolu introduced that Qiaolu resembles a medal from the air, and Zhu Jinqiao built it to commemorate Chen Yixi, a railway entrepreneur who oversaw the construction of China's first completely independently built private railway—the Sun Ning Railway.
Qiaolu looks like a medal from the air.
Qiaolu has fallen into disuse over the decades. At the end of 2022, it was entrusted to Lin Zhicheng, the Chairman of Qiaolu 1922 Yuncui Valley Culture and Tourism Investment Development Co., for cultural tourism development and operation. After more than a year of restoration, it has now been rejuvenated with a new look.
Qiaolu has been rejuvenated with a new look.
According to Lin, Qiaolu is a building rich in stories, culture, and heritage. "I hope my efforts can inspire more young people to participate in the inheritance and conservation of ancient architecture," he said.
According to statistics, Taishan has more than 10,000 Diaolou (watchtowers) and western-style buildings with diverse and exquisite designs. In recent years, the local authorities in Jiangmen have placed great importance on the conservation and revitalization of overseas Chinese architecture.
Taishan has so far completed several notable projects such as Qiaolu, Sijiu Wangang, Guangda School, the Southwest Building of the Overseas Chinese Creative Center, Mei Courtyard, and Guishui Village. Many tourists have come to these attractions to experience overseas Chinese customs, driving the development of the rural economy.
In the future, Taishan will continue to leverage the advantages of its overseas Chinese community, inviting them back for visits, investment, and business.
Reporter | Yang Xingle, Liu Huimin
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Will, James
