Folk performance is staged during the annual folk art festival in Huichang on Aug 26.[Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

Folk culture festival

The small town has held an annual folk culture festival since 2015, celebrating the birth of the god Lai Gong of the local temple, Lai Gong Miao, which is regarded as a blessing for Huichang and its people. A series of cultural events, including a food competition, folk art performances and a parade are held during the weeklong festival.

"Every small town has its own special character, and we have to find that character," Lai says.

"If we don't find that character, it's possible it will head off in the wrong direction, and that may result in it losing its character. Huichang has beautiful, historic scenic spots, such as the Hanxianyan mountainous area, which has an important place in Taoist history. The place is full of legends and tales.

"Huichang is still considered an impoverished county. But spiritually they don't live in poverty. The master plan for reviving the old town is really exciting to me."

Before he left Huichang, Lai, with his elder brother and cousin visited the house his family once lived in.

"When I stood in that house with my relatives, I said 'Look at us.' Our family's story could be turned into a play."