Taiwan Native Brings New Life to Old Harbor in Xiamen

“A lot of what you see—old photos, artifacts, and oral histories—were collected from local residents over time,” Wang explained. Determined to preserve the neighborhood’s character, he walked its alleys, listened to elders’ stories, and even learned Minnan dialect to better connect with longtime residents. His dedication earned him a warm welcome, and today many locals see him as one of their own.

Wang’s approach to culture goes beyond static preservation. “I believe culture shouldn't just be inherited—it needs to be shared and understood,” he said. Drawing on his media background, he integrates comics, videos, and interactive activities to bring Shapowei’s stories to life. 

His team runs a public WeChat account, Shaponaweiyu (沙坡有尾鱼) , which shares tales of the community through creative formats. One comic series, for example, introduces local history through the story of Zheng Chenggong.

To make cultural engagement more dynamic, Wang also organizes community activities and educational programs. He has hosted art workshops for children and partnered with Xiamen University to involve students in cultural projects. “When people participate, they connect more deeply with the place,” he said.

The transformation of Shapowei has drawn increasing attention in recent years, turning the area into a popular tourist destination. While this brings economic opportunity, it also creates challenges such as rising rents and commercial homogenization. “There are positives and negatives to becoming a trendy spot,” Wang noted. “We have to balance preservation with development.”

Shapowei’s evolution isn’t limited to the exhibition hall—it reflects a broader shift toward revitalizing traditional communities in a modern context. Wang emphasizes the importance of grassroots participation and long-term planning. “What we’re doing here can serve as a model for other neighborhoods in Xiamen and beyond,” he said.

Looking to the future, Wang is optimistic. “There’s still a lot of meaningful work ahead,” he said. “We want to take the best parts of what we’ve done here and adapt them to other places, helping more communities protect their heritage and find new vitality.”