Lost Stories in Hekou Town
Located in the heart of Jiangxi province, Hekou Ancient Town in Yanshan County was once a bustling commercial hub, thriving on the trade of tea, paper, and other goods. The town’s prosperity was fueled by its strategic position along the river, enabling efficient water transport and fostering the growth of merchant guilds. Over time, however, the prosperity faded as commerce moved on, leaving behind the vessels that once carried its wealth—buildings, streets, and objects that remain as silent witnesses to the town’s vibrant past.
While many followed the path of commerce and left Hekou in search of new opportunities, a few remained, committed to preserving the remnants of this once-flourishing town. They have carefully collected these vessels of history, yet objects alone cannot speak. Just as a medicine bottle without its contents cannot tell the story of its use, the river that once carried the lifeblood of trade has stilled, and the stories it once bore have drifted away.
This project aims to recover those lost stories through the creation of a digital archive, 3D scanning, and documentary for Hekou Ancient Town.
The website will be for the public to explore the town's history, showcasing collected artifacts, oral histories, and cultural records, bringing to life the legacy of Hekou and Yanshan.
The Archive of the medical history of Yanshan
In creating this archive, extensive field research has been conducted to gather historical data, photographs, and the stories of those who chose to stay. Through this digital platform, the goal is to rekindle interest in Hekou’s unique history and culture, reminding us that while objects may preserve traces of the past, it is through our attention and interpretation that history truly comes alive.