In Yangshuo, a picturesque village in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a South African architect has brought a unique architectural heritage back to life. Ian Hamilton, who arrived in the area in 2001, discovered ancient buildings that seemed destined to disappear.
Today, thanks to his efforts, several historic houses have been restored to their former splendor.
Passionate about ancient architecture, Hamilton moved to Jiuxian in 2010, a historic village over 1,000 years old. There he found buildings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties, abandoned by the inhabitants, who preferred to build modern houses. Faced with this degradation, Hamilton decided to restore these buildings, while respecting their character and adapting them to contemporary needs.
“South Africa doesn't have many old houses. When I arrived in Yangshuo, I saw these magnificent buildings, perfectly suited to the lives of the local people, the climate and the environment. The residents did not want to live there and built new ones. However, as an architect with a passion for buildings, I think these houses are not only beautiful, but also perfectly constructed. I think they should be preserved,” says Hamilton.
Its first restoration project, completed in 2010, convinced the skeptics. Before his arrival, many villagers thought that these old houses were no longer useful. But over the course of the transformations, their vision has evolved. “He said he would restore our old houses, but we didn't believe him at first,” said Lin Ying, a local resident.
Today, six buildings have been restored by Hamilton. Thanks to his work, these historic homes have been transformed into charming hotels, attracting tourists while preserving the authenticity of the local architecture. The success of its restorations has made it possible to change the perception of residents and to restore all their value to old buildings, not only historical but also functional.
Ian Hamilton has been able to combine respect for tradition and modernity, offering Yangshuo a model of heritage preservation while meeting contemporary needs. Thanks to him, these old buildings continue to tell the history of the region, while integrating harmoniously into the modern life of the village.
