A stone folk dwelling in Beigang village, Pingtan, Fujian province, before renovation [Photo/ptnet.cn]

Traditional stone-walled folk dwellings in the coastal village of Beigang, Pingtan are being brought back to life by a group of enthusiasts from mainland China and Taiwan who are set on turning them into unique homestays for tourists, ptnet.cn reported on May 16.

Many of the picturesque houses are more than 100 years old and overlook the Taiwan Strait.

A stone wall of one of the traditional dwellings in Beigang village, Pingtan, Fujian province, after renovation. [Photo/ptnet.cn]

The renovation work started three months ago, according to Fan Wenyun, who has a doctorate in architecture from Nanjing University. Fan said that the team regards the stone folk dwellings, many built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), as works of art and wants to preserve their original features as much as possible during the renovation.

Though some people have their doubts about the touristic value of the renovations, Fan remains positive. He said that they aim to attract visitors who want a slow-paced, rural experience often taken for granted in today's hectic modern life.

Fan also hoped that more young people would become interested in the project and encouraged them to take part in what could be an important place for a valuable cross-Straits cultural experience.