In the 1980s, villagers began to move into brick or concrete houses with modern facilities, leaving many old ones abandoned.

More than 120 traditional houses still stand in Jiulong－two of them built 400 years ago, and another seven dating back 200 to 300 years.

Hu Xiaowen, a volunteer and interior designer, said she appreciated the way the traditional houses were built. The external walls make the houses cool in summer and warm in winter, plus the houses are strong, durable and eco-friendly, as they were made using local raw materials.

"There are some Chinese architects who are incorporating rammed-earth walls in modern construction, for the purpose of sustainability," Hu said.

Liu Chunlan, a volunteer who led the team in Jiulong, said the work also carries significance for local residents.

"Villagers used to think their hometown was a place left behind by modern development, but our arrival and labor can provide them with an outside perspective and let them see the value of the traditional architecture in their hometown," she said.

The villagers were curious about their repair work, and some even joined in, with many children eager to learn the techniques.

Wu Chunsheng, a local official, said the county government has been encouraging the villagers to repair their deserted houses to protect the local culture.

The county is also preparing to build a base for artists in the village to attract painters, photographers and sculptors to create works inspired by the idyllic rural scenery, as well as create more jobs for locals, Wu said.

After the work in Jiulong was completed, Lagneau and another French volunteer, Audrey Garrouste, headed to Shanxi province for another work camp, repairing a historical hall.

Lagneau said she was looking forward to learning more about traditional Chinese architecture.