Perched on volcanic basalt terrain near Haikou Volcanic Geopark, the 800-year-old Sanqing Village stands as a living museum of Qiongbei architecture, where entire neighborhoods maintain original structures built from porous volcanic rock. During the 2025 National Cultural Relics Census campaign, journalists witnessed how this historic settlement balances preservation with innovation – bullet marks still visible on the iconic 1930 Anhua Watchtower testify to its wartime resistance against Japanese forces, while converted coffee courtyards now serve flat whites amidst the ancient stones. Village guide Huang Chunmei explains their conservation philosophy: “We repair heritage buildings using traditional dry-stone masonry techniques, ensuring every patina of history remains visible.”
The labyrinthine alleys reveal ingenious adaptations to the volcanic landscape, where homes follow natural contours and pathways preserve original lava flows. Modern interventions appear thoughtfully integrated – at the “Return·South Cafe”, scarlet furnishings contrast with textured stone walls while coffee aromas mingle with the scent of cat-tail tree fruits. Guangzhou tourist Ms. Wang, sipping espresso in the courtyard, embodies the village’s new appeal: “The WiFi works perfectly between 17th-century walls. I’ve extended my stay twice.” Six such revitalized compounds now operate, generating both tourist revenue and local employment through creative reuse of abandoned properties.
Cultural Revitalization Through Community-Led Tourism
Beyond architectural preservation, Sanqing’s renaissance stems from strategic resource integration. By partnering with developers to transform derelict homes into boutique accommodations and experiential venues, the village has activated its cultural assets without sacrificing authenticity. Farmer Zhang exemplifies the economic ripple effects: “Our volcanic rock homes stay cool naturally. Now they attract visitors who buy our organic jackfruit and coffee beans.” The model has increased average household incomes by 40% since 2022 while maintaining the community’s agricultural roots.
Haikou’s tourism authorities view Sanqing as a blueprint for heritage-based rural revitalization. “Leveraging Hainan Free Trade Port policies, we’re creating immersive cultural routes that connect volcanic villages with coastal attractions,” stated Zhang Yan, Deputy Director of Haikou’s Tourism Bureau. Future plans include augmented reality installations interpreting geological features and artisan workshops demonstrating traditional stonework. As morning light filters through porous basalt walls and cafe grinders hum beside ancient watchtowers, Sanqing Village demonstrates how China’s historical settlements can write vibrant new chapters without erasing the past.
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