The ancient city in Li Lei's hometown is more than six hundred years old. Its stone walls were built in the Ming Dynasty, and the old temple at the centre was admired by poets for centuries. Now the walls are being repaired by a group of experts, and every brick is treated with great care. To the local people, the city is not just old stone; it is a living treasure that carries the memory of generations.
Last month, the city museum started a special project to protect the heritage. A detailed survey was carried out, and students were invited to join. Li Lei and his friends gathered old photos and recorded the patterns on the temple walls. Every collection was numbered and kept in the museum. 'These patterns were painted by craftsmen hundreds of years ago,' the director told them. 'Now it is our duty to protect them.'
Their English teacher, Cozy, also joined the project. 'Heritage is precious because it cannot be replaced,' he said. 'When old things are lost, they are lost forever.' He taught the students to interview the elders and write down their stories. Soon an official announcement was made: the temple would be opened to the public again. The news was welcomed by everyone, and the students felt proud that their work had made a real difference.
The most famous feature of the city is its original layout, which has remained unchanged for centuries. Narrow streets, grey roofs and small courtyards form a beautiful pattern that can be recognised from the top of the tower. 'Please do not remove anything,' Cozy reminded them. 'Even a single brick is part of the whole picture.' The students promised to respect the old city and to share its story with younger children in their neighbourhood.
At the end of the term, the students held a small exhibition at school. Old photos, drawings and interview records were shown in the hall, and every visitor was given a hand-made card. 'Heritage is not something to be looked at from a distance,' Li Lei wrote in his speech. 'It is a wonder to be lived with, valued and passed on.' The audience clapped warmly, and the students knew their love for the ancient city would continue to grow.