OLD STONE Contributes to the Restoration of Jinjiang's Wudianshi Traditional Block

Created on 09.11

Jinjiang, China — OLD STONE has played a key role in the restoration and revitalization of the Wudianshi Traditional Block, a historic urban quarter in Southern China known for its Ming–Qing era architecture and living cultural heritage.

A Living Heritage Quarter of Global Significance

Wudianshi Traditional Block represents one of the best-preserved clusters of vernacular Minnan (Southern Fujian) architecture. The area includes ancestral halls, residences, narrow lanes, and traditional shopfronts, distinguished by red-brick façades, swallow-tail roofs, and intricate stone carvings.

More than a static monument, Wudianshi is recognized as a living heritage quarter, where daily life continues within a historic environment. Its urban fabric embodies values of authenticity, continuity, and adaptive reuse, resonating with principles highlighted in global heritage conservation frameworks.

OLD STONE’s Expertise and Role

As a specialist in historic stone and architectural restoration, OLD STONE was responsible for the repair, replacement, and reintegration of paving stones and façade components within the block. The project introduced authentic aged stones naturally weathered for 15–30 years, ensuring seamless integration with the existing streetscape.

Value of Authentic Aged Stones

The decision to use reclaimed stones with genuine historical age provided multiple advantages:

Natural Patina: unique tones and textures shaped by decades of weathering, blending naturally with the historic setting.
Proven Durability: long-term exposure has already tested their resilience, ensuring reliable performance after reinstallation.
Cultural Continuity: each stone carries marks of history, strengthening the block’s storytelling and authenticity.
Sustainability: reusing reclaimed stones reduces quarrying and aligns with global sustainability and circular economy goals.

Professional Stone Installation Methodology

OLD STONE applied a systematic, professional approach to installation, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering standards:

Sub-base Preparation: compacted foundation with optimized drainage for structural stability.
Dry-lay & Calibration: pre-layout and thickness adjustment to ensure visual harmony and precise fitting.
Mortar Bedding: semi-dry sand–cement bedding with traditional anchoring for enhanced durability.
Grouting: lime-based or color-matched joints to preserve historical aesthetics.
Surface Finishing: anti-slip and weather-resistant treatments in high-traffic areas for safety.
Maintainability: modular paving design enabling single-stone replacement without disrupting the whole pavement.

Revitalizing Heritage for Contemporary Use

The Wudianshi project is not only about physical restoration but also about sustaining cultural vibrancy. Through authentic material use and precise craftsmanship, the block has been enhanced to host community gatherings, cultural events, and creative industries—achieving the vision of a “heritage block that lives and breathes.”

Looking Ahead

With the Wudianshi project, OLD STONE demonstrates how authentic materials, sustainable practices, and precision installation can protect cultural assets while enabling modern functionality. The methodology offers a replicable model for heritage restoration projects worldwide, from European plazas to Middle Eastern souqs and Asian cultural quarters.

OLD STONE will continue to collaborate with governments, developers, and cultural institutions internationally, reinforcing its mission to integrate authenticity, sustainability, and engineering precision in heritage and urban renewal projects.