Yin Yu Tang, an ancient Chinese house. [File photo/Chengdu Economic Daily]

In a further confluence of events, the Huangshan Municipal Government was seeking assistance in an effort to increase public awareness of ancient architectural protection in the area. Promoted by Nancy Berliner, a plan of exhibiting Yin Yu Tang in the United States was soon supported by Fidelity, one the world's largest investment company, and its foundation as a cultural exchange program between the two sides. An agreement was signed for a US$125million purchase package.

In 1997, Yin Yu Tang was dismantled and loaded on a ship piece by piece, including 2,735 woodworks, 972 pieces of stones, and all the indoor daily necessities and decorations. In February 1998, they were shipped to the United States and rebuilt in Salem, Massachusetts, according to its original appearance. In June 2003, it was included in the historical architectural list of the Peabody Essex Museum and has formally opened to the public.

Joys and sorrows for the fate of ancient buildings

According to the museum, Yin Yu Tang differs from the common run of buildings largely because its owners were not celebrities. In this way, American visitors can have a better understanding of the life of ordinary Chinese people and families. At the same time, the removal and reconstruction of the building provided Americans with a good opportunity to study ancient Chinese architecture.

Staff workers of the museum have done their utmost to maintain the integrity of this ancient Chinese house. A team composed of Chinese and American scholars and experts in architectural protection, traditional craftsmen and artists have worked together in the past two decades for the relocation and protection of Yi Yu Tang.