World volunteers gather in Pingyao to restore ancient buildings
Updated: 2025-08-04
The "2025 Built Heritage Conservation Voluntary Work Camp and Gen Z Construction Workshop" kicked off on Aug 1 in Dongquan village, Pingyao county, Shanxi province.
Over the next two weeks, 17 heritage conservation volunteers from France, Mexico, and China will collaborate to conduct emergency restoration on the gatehouse and surrounding walls of a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) residence in Dongquan village.
The opening ceremony for the voluntary work camp. [Photo/Yellow River News]
Dongquan village is a traditional Chinese village boasting over 10 ancient forts, more than 400 courtyards, and five buildings dating back to the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties, as well as 13 structures from the Ming and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
Ding Feng, secretary-general of the Shanghai Ruanyisan Urban Heritage Foundation? and one of the event's organizers, highlighted the foundation's commitment to encouraging global youth to participate in the protection, preservation, and promotion of world heritage since establishing the Heritage Conservation Voluntary Work Camp project in Shanxi in 2010.
A cultural heritage restoration story salon. [Photo/Yellow River News]
"In 2025, the work camp was selected for the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers Project, becoming a significant platform for Sino-French cultural heritage exchange," said Ding. "Through this event, we aim to deepen collaboration in heritage conservation between China and foreign countries."
During the opening ceremony, 17 volunteers served tea to senior craftsmen and sought apprenticeships to demonstrate their respect for traditional craftsmanship and commitment to learning. The craftsmen encouraged the young volunteers to inherit the exquisite skills of heritage restoration.
Volunteers serve tea to senior craftsmen and seek apprenticeships. [Photo/Yellow River News]
"Cultural heritage preservation is a universal mission, requiring a bridge between tradition and modernity. We hope that through our efforts, these precious historical and cultural treasures can be passed on to the future," said French volunteer Aurore Franche.