Qin Tongqian.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Both projects were partnered by Indonesian hotel brand Aman Resorts.

It took about four years to restore 100 ancient houses in Qin's possession. He says he will open them to free public viewing in the near future, with an aim to promote a better understanding of traditional Chinese architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Huang Jian, Qin's friend, says that businessmen from Hong Kong and Singapore were among the first to buy ancient Chinese houses, followed by those from Zhejiang province. Many either resold the houses to other buyers or turned them into paid tourist attractions, Huang says.

Qin says: "I want people to know the treasures passed down from our ancestors, the craftsmanship, the culture and the traditional relationships between family members."

He says many wealthy Chinese of his generation respect traditional Chinese culture, but prefer to live in Western-style houses. However, the young generation gives him hope. They are more interested in their own culture and have the awareness of protection of cultural relics.

"In the youth, I see the future of cultural protection."