Cultural relic conservator helps revive ancient Huizhou cultural relics in E China's Anhui-Xinhua

Published 9 hours ago• 4 minute read

Zhou Hu patrols the Tangyue archway cluster in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. Shexian County of east China's Anhui Province has carried the essence of Hui-style culture and architecture. In its ancient town, the network of ancient streets, alleys, and bridges is complemented by traditional residences, ancestral halls, and memorial archways.

Zhou Hu, 33, graduated with a degree in archaeology from Anhui University. Passionate about Huizhou culture, he joined in Shexian County's cultural relics conservation efforts after completing his postgraduate studies in 2016. He now serves as the deputy director of the county's cultural relics center.

Zhou and his colleagues take charge of safety checks, maintenance, and restoration of the county's cultural relics. During his nearly decade-long career, he has restored more than a thousand artifacts and participated in numerous critical cultural heritage conservation projects at both national and provincial levels.

Beyond restoration, Zhou is also committed to promoting Huizhou culture, organizing interactive events such as the "Magical Night at Huizhou History Museum of Anhui." Acting as both host and performer, he brings Huizhou's history and artifacts to life through immersive performances.

"Restoring relics preserves history," he says, "but cultural transmission is what truly brings cultural history to life." (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

A drone photo taken on June 20, 2025 shows Zhou Hu patrolling the Yuliang dam in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Zhou Hu inspects the renovation of an ancient residence in the Yuliang old street in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

A drone photo shows Zhou Hu patrolling the Tangyue archway cluster in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 19, 2025 shows a view in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Zhou Hu patrols the Xuguo stone archway in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Zhou Hu (R) inspects the maintenance project of a watch tower in the Huizhou ancient town in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Zhou Hu patrols the Xuguo stone archway in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Photo by Fan Chengzhu/Xinhua)

Zhou Hu patrols the Tangyue archway cluster in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Photo by Fan Chengzhu/Xinhua)

Zhou Hu patrols the Xuguo stone archway in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

A drone photo taken on June 19, 2025 shows the maintenance project of a watch tower in the Huizhou ancient town in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Zhou Hu checks a roof ridge decoration while inspecting the maintenance project of a watch tower in the Huizhou ancient town in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

A drone photo shows Zhou Hu patrolling the Tangyue archway cluster in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Zhou Hu inspects the maintenance project of a watch tower in the Huizhou ancient town in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province, June 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 19, 2025 shows a view of Huizhou ancient town in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

A drone photo taken on June 19, 2025 shows Zhou Hu inspecting the maintenance project of a watch tower in the Huizhou ancient town in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

A drone photo taken on June 19, 2025 shows Zhou Hu (1st R) inspecting the maintenance project of a watch tower in the Huizhou ancient town in Shexian County, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)