Upper and Lower Hang Research Group
Work Summary
"With the tide, merchandise-laden boats enter the market; with hanging curtains, countless households sell wine." Through different periods, the Upper and Lower Hang area has developed into a district integrating commerce, trade, guild halls, and folk belief culture, earning the title "Fuzhou's Traditional Commercial Museum." To deeply understand and explore the historical value of this area and to form a historical narrative that connects it with Sanfang Qixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys), Yantaishan, Fujian Shipbuilding, and other sites, five members of the Upper and Lower Hang group, under the guidance and assistance of Professor Li Guanghan and others, focused on the architectural carriers of the district. Using methods such as historical document review, street condition survey, interviews with relevant stakeholders (management companies, descendants of famous shops), and visitor interviews, they conducted research from dimensions including architectural style, conservation status, commercial development, and key historical figures. After analysis, they ultimately selected 11 key value carriers, proposed a city narrative concept centered on the Upper and Lower Hang Historical and Cultural District, and produced outcomes such as a research report on the district.
Daily meetings at McDonald's
Daily work at the Traditional Chinese Culture Hall
The entire research generally consisted of two phases: online historical document review and offline fieldwork. During the fieldwork phase, considering that the group members came from various disciplines such as archaeology, architecture, history, and landscape design, the team subdivided tasks according to professional expertise and personal interests, including cartography, interviews, material organization, reporting, and photographic documentation. They collaborated to establish a mechanism for cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing and full utilization of individual strengths, which laid the foundation for efficient and successful completion of the fieldwork and created opportunities for mutual learning within the group.
Visiting No. 126 Shanghang Road
Visiting No. 4 Wanlong Lane
Street cat on Shanghang Road
Observation deck
Caifeng Villa
Caisson ceiling of Jianjun Guild Hall
Third-floor window of Defa Dried Fruit Shop
Window of Shengshun Tea Factory
Window of Xiankang Ginseng Shop
Group photo on the second and third floors of Xiankang Ginseng Shop
Teacher's Message
Professor Li Guanghan
In this workshop, the Upper and Lower Hang group attempted to explore the characteristics of Min merchant culture and trade hubs within the theme of the dawn of modern enlightenment, and to understand the importance and heritage value of this area during Fuzhou's modern historical period. The five group members came from different disciplinary backgrounds including architecture, art design, history, and archaeology. Whether in on-site heritage investigation, stakeholder interviews, or the review of historical documents and conservation management materials, they demonstrated excellent cross-disciplinary collaboration, collectively completing a well-structured fieldwork report. Particularly commendable is that the group maintained a harmonious atmosphere throughout. Besides their professional studies, the participants also gained revolutionary friendships from the fieldwork, creating wonderful summer memories.
Student Reflections
Wei Xi (Teaching Assistant)
I had previously visited Upper and Lower Hang as a tourist with my partner and parents. Compared to Sanfang Qixiang, Upper and Lower Hang seems less attractive to out-of-town tourists. My first visit was to eat at a trendy restaurant, and I had no prior knowledge of the area's history. Yet the architectural style and street scale, different from other historic commercial districts, left a deep impression on me. Through this workshop, I began to understand the area comprehensively from historical, current, and future planning perspectives—its past prosperity and its enduring commercial DNA all came alive before my eyes. The busy and fulfilling workshop days also added color to my lazy summer life. Thanks to all the teachers and staff of the workshop, and to my dear team members—you turned the scorching sun into morning light, and the sultry heat into freshness. Next time, let's pick a cooler season and meet again at Wangzhuang A Mi!
Liu Zhaolong
"Can he do it? Is this person reliable?" That was my first impression of my teammates, as someone prone to anxiety and negativity. "I seem to know nothing—what can I contribute?" That was my self-questioning at the beginning of the camp. But in the end, the cheerful Upper and Lower Hang group successfully completed the learning task. For people, for cultural heritage, and for other disciplines, the ten days of offline activities provided an opportunity for all of us from different majors to get to know each other. The key point was not how much we could contribute, but the chance to learn about new majors and people, and the exchange of ideas during collaboration—ideas that sometimes didn't even relate to professionalism. I feel honored to have had such an opportunity this summer, to meet a group of teammates and friends who are prolific in meme-making, never go three sentences without "hahaha," yet are extremely reliable; and to learn about a profession that tells urban stories through physical carriers, even if only a tiny bit (maybe less).
Liu Wanhua
I feel very fortunate to have participated in this workshop, to have met a lovely group of people in Fuzhou, and to have spent an unforgettable ten-plus days. For me, it was also a valuable experience of self-learning and growth: through fieldwork "street sweeping," I intuitively felt the charm of cultural heritage and secretly rejoiced at every new discovery and idea; in the process of discussing and communicating with my teammates, I gained more insights into my own major and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Finally, a big shout-out to the adorable teachers and teammates of the Upper and Lower Hang group—it is all of you together who made every shining moment of the team possible!
Yang Qianhui
This joint workshop allowed me to understand the different perspectives and methods that various disciplines bring to heritage conservation—a valuable experience I had never had before. For example, history students paid close attention to inscriptions and texts, while architecture students focused more on images and forms. I believe it is precisely this collision and exchange of differences that enabled us to inspire each other and achieve completeness. Moreover, every teacher and friend in the workshop was super lovely and super capable, especially the affectionate Upper and Lower Hang group. It was such a joy to spend this time together with all of you!
Ding Zhongmin
As a recent intern at a center with a very long name, the Fuzhou workshop was my first hands-on experience with cultural heritage work. In Upper and Lower Hang, Fuzhou, we walked through Shanghang Road, Xiahang Road, Xing'an Bridge Lane, Longping Road, and other winding, deep alleys. We became familiar with every building on our respective streets—Chinese-style, Western-style, or a blend of both. We marveled at how elegant and profound these buildings were, imagined what stories might have unfolded here, and hoped that Upper and Lower Hang would only get better. Over more than a week offline, I learned a lot—for instance, how to seriously look at a building, chat with tourists on the street, learn about disciplines other than archaeology, and work and study together with everyone. Thank you to the super lovely, humorous, capable, and responsible teachers and teammates of the Upper and Lower Hang group. Meeting you was the greatest gain of this trip. Mountains and seas will meet again, and we will all get better and better!
Bonus Section
#Eating and Drinking
#Practical Meme Collection
#"Coming and Going"
Hope the Upper and Lower Hang group brings you joy!
Upper and Lower Hang Group Family Photo (Drawn by Liu Wanhua)
