Nestled in Dongfang City, Bai Cha Village stands as a testament to the resilience of the Li ethnic group's cultural identity. Its 81 iconic boat-shaped houses – architectural marvels resembling overturned vessels – encapsulate centuries of adaptation to Hainan's tropical climate and resource availability. As the island accelerates its development as an international free trade port in 2025, this national intangible cultural heritage site offers a blueprint for balancing progress with tradition.
Local preservation efforts have transformed the village into a living cultural repository, where traditional textile weaving and ancient farming techniques remain part of daily life. This year, the community has partnered with provincial authorities to develop sustainable tourism programs that protect heritage while creating economic opportunities.
"Our ancestors built these houses from local materials to withstand typhoons," explains village elder Lin Meiyu. "Today, we're using modern conservation methods to ensure they withstand time." The preservation model has gained attention across Asia, with several ASEAN nations exploring similar approaches to safeguarding indigenous cultures amid rapid urbanization.
