Walking into the courtyard, a delicate and pleasant fragrance fills the air. Bamboo leaves hang down from the walls, creating a natural curtain. In a clear pool of water, moss-covered turtles leisurely swim around. The flower beds are adorned with a mix of bonsai arrangements, embellished with vines and vibrant green bamboo, creating a small and charming space. This is Niuniu’s “Peaceful Courtyard,” located in Xiaxinzhai Village, Tangxi Town, Wucheng District.

“My real name might not be familiar to everyone, so let’s go with Niuniu.” Over a year ago, Niuniu registered an account on the TikTok platform as “Niuniu’s Nostalgia.” With a focus on traditional culture elements such as Jinhua’s ancient architecture, his videos create an immersive experience that captivates viewers.

Niuniu, who is 49 years old this year, was born and raised in Tangxi. “My father went out to earn a living when he was 18, and he returned only after retiring. After pursuing education, I’ve been working away from home,” shared Niuniu. This is why Niuniu identifies himself as a “second-generation traveler.” He has had various roles including training, journalism, sales, and now he’s a businessman. Years of hard work have finally brought him to a point where livelihood is no longer a concern. Seven years ago, his family of four settled in Singapore.

After years of overseas residence, what remains close to the heart and persistent in dreams is that tranquil hometown. Two years ago, Niuniu returned to his old house, where he paved cobblestones, nurtured flowers and plants, built a gazebo, and revamped the vegetable garden at the entrance of the aged dwelling.

Over the past 20 years, Niuniu has nurtured a profound hobby – exploring ancient villages and historic architecture. Whenever the opportunity arises, he brings his family along to wander through these age-old settlements. Niuniu shared, “Touring these ancient villages across three generations – grandparents, parents, and children – is a form of nostalgia with my father and a means of cultural inheritance with my son.” After extensive travels and observations, Niuniu attempted to capture his experiences through video recordings.

Fueled by his genuine fondness for the historical architecture of his hometown, Niuniu took on the role of operating a TikTok account. He became an enthusiastic promoter of his hometown’s allure, capturing videos of the ancient villages he had explored and presenting them to his audience. From the Yiwu Guyue Bridge from the Song Dynasty to the exquisite Dongyang wood carvings and the historic architectural complex of Zhuge in Lanxi, Niuniu’s videos consistently offer glimpses of the enchanting historical heritage of Jinhua.

The short videos have captured the interest of many online users, sparking discussions about architectural styles and genres in the comments section. Seeing an expanding audience appreciate the ancient buildings of his hometown brings Niuniu a deep sense of contentment. “This shows that traditional culture is deeply ingrained in the Chinese people. I’m proud to share this with many through short videos,” said Niuniu.

“If you don’t walk in the wilderness, you won’t comprehend your own insignificance; if you don’t wander through history, you won’t grasp the brevity of life,” Niuniu remarked. His aspiration is to document 10,000 old houses, explore 1,000 ancient villages, and compile a story of emotions through a decade of journeys. (By Tang Xuyu)