Wang Genshui, 55, the village head, says that when the memorial hall opened in February the newfound pride by locals in their village's history was palpable. In fact a ceremony at the hall to commemorate their ancestors drew people not only from the village but many who had long since left to work in other places.

"It has brought people together and is encouraging them to revitalize the village's cultural traditions," Wang says, adding that in finding a shared famous ancestor long-standing feuds and disputes had even been defused.

Apart from functioning as a modern ancestral temple, the memorial hall is also an open community center for the village, where dogs come and go, and where people can organize activities such as holding wedding banquets.

The memorial hall is made of rammed earth with a cement roof, and all this is perfectly suited to Wang village, where buildings are similarly made.