A young entrepreneur who shuttered his startup company during the COVID-19 pandemic has found new purpose by transforming a traditional residence in Dongnan Village, Dali, China, into a contemporary living space that bridges ancient and modern architectural styles. The project, completed by xiān Architects in 2025, represents a growing trend of urban professionals relocating to historic rural communities in search of a simpler lifestyle.
The homeowner previously operated Someet, a platform that organized tens of thousands of self-initiated offline activities for young people across China. When the pandemic forced him to close the business in 2020, he made the dramatic decision to leave Beijing and relocate to Shaxi, an ancient town in Dali where people have lived and thrived for over a thousand years. The location, known for its spring-like climate year-round, is home to the Bai ethnic group, whose cultural traditions remain deeply embedded in daily life.
The architectural transformation of the 733-square-meter property was led by Wang Yanshi and Bai He of xiān Architects, working alongside a design team that included Dong Zhiyuan, Liu Yifeng, Zhou Mengzheng, and several interns. The project required careful coordination between modern architectural principles and traditional Bai construction methods, with the local construction team led by Ouyang Donghe, who belongs to the Bai ethnic group and brought indigenous building knowledge to the project.
The renovation process involved extensive collaboration with specialized contractors and suppliers to achieve the desired balance between contemporary functionality and cultural authenticity. Structural design was handled by engineers Gao Xuemei and Li Ping, while lighting solutions were provided by Kuao (Shenzhen) Lighting Technology Co., Ltd. Additional support came from NAZA Furniture for custom pieces, Schneider Electric for switch panels, and Dayangdashu Interactive Studio for entrance installations.
The completed residence reflects the owner's desire to live freely while respecting the historical significance of its location. Shaxi ancient town, where the property is situated, has maintained its traditional character for centuries, with the Bai people preserving their cultural heritage through music, dance, and frequent community gatherings. Local residents often say that "anyone who can walk can dance and anyone who can speak can sing," highlighting the vibrant cultural life that attracted the former startup founder to the area.
The project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can successfully integrate with historic environments when architects approach renovation with sensitivity to local traditions and community values. The transformation of No. 8 House serves as an example of how pandemic-era lifestyle changes have influenced both residential architecture and rural community development in China, as urban professionals increasingly seek alternatives to metropolitan living.
