Features
Reviving Minnan heritage: The Chen family’s craft lives on
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
govt.chinadaily.com.cn
Print
Share - WeChat
In Xiamen’s Haicang district, Fujian province, the restoration of the century-old Aiwu Residence — a Nanyang-style Minnan (southern Fujian province) mansion — is nearing completion. Behind its renewed splendor stands the Chen family, master artisans devoted to traditional Minnan architecture. For nearly 50 years, Chen Heyong has preserved this craft, now recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Their work keeps Minnan’s timeless beauty alive.
Nanyang, meaning “the Southern Ocean”, traditionally refers to Southeast Asia and symbolizes the cultural ties between Chinese migrants and the region.
