Nanjing County: A Lesson in Cultural Preservation Liberals Could Learn From

Imagine a place where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony, a place that stands as a testament to cultural preservation. Welcome to Nanjing County, located in the Fujian province of China. This county is home to the famous Tulou, ancient earthen buildings that have been around since the 12th century. These structures are not just architectural marvels; they are living, breathing communities that have withstood the test of time. While the world around them has changed dramatically, the residents of Nanjing County have managed to preserve their way of life, offering a lesson in cultural preservation that many in the West, particularly those who lean left, could stand to learn from.

Nanjing County is a place where the past is not just remembered but actively lived. The Tulou, which are large, circular buildings made of earth, wood, and stone, serve as communal living spaces for multiple families. These structures are not just homes; they are fortresses, designed to protect against invaders and natural disasters. The people of Nanjing County have maintained these buildings for centuries, passing down the skills and knowledge needed to preserve them from generation to generation. This commitment to preserving their heritage is something that seems to be lost on those who are quick to tear down statues and rewrite history books in the name of progress.

The residents of Nanjing County have managed to strike a balance between preserving their cultural heritage and embracing modernity. While they continue to live in the Tulou, they have also adopted modern conveniences like electricity and running water. This ability to adapt without losing their cultural identity is something that many in the West could learn from. Instead of erasing the past, the people of Nanjing County have found a way to honor it while still moving forward. This is a lesson that seems to be lost on those who are more interested in erasing history than learning from it.

The Tulou of Nanjing County are not just historical relics; they are living communities. Families continue to live and work in these buildings, maintaining the traditions and customs that have been passed down through the generations. This sense of community and continuity is something that is sorely lacking in many parts of the West, where individualism and self-interest often take precedence over community and tradition. The people of Nanjing County understand that preserving their cultural heritage is not just about maintaining buildings; it's about maintaining a way of life.

While the residents of Nanjing County have managed to preserve their cultural heritage, they have also embraced tourism as a way to share their unique way of life with the world. Tourists from around the globe flock to Nanjing County to see the Tulou and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region. This influx of visitors has provided a boost to the local economy, allowing the residents to continue preserving their way of life. This is a perfect example of how cultural preservation and economic development can go hand in hand, something that those who are quick to dismiss the importance of cultural heritage would do well to remember.

The people of Nanjing County have shown that it is possible to preserve cultural heritage while still embracing modernity. They have managed to maintain their way of life for centuries, passing down their traditions and customs from generation to generation. This commitment to preserving their cultural heritage is something that many in the West could learn from. Instead of erasing the past, the people of Nanjing County have found a way to honor it while still moving forward. This is a lesson that seems to be lost on those who are more interested in erasing history than learning from it.

In a world that is constantly changing, the people of Nanjing County have managed to preserve their cultural heritage while still embracing modernity. They have shown that it is possible to maintain a way of life that is rooted in tradition while still adapting to the modern world. This is a lesson that many in the West, particularly those who are quick to dismiss the importance of cultural heritage, would do well to learn. Instead of erasing the past, we should be looking for ways to honor it while still moving forward. The people of Nanjing County have shown us that it is possible to do both.