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)