Tianzhuang old village in Zhangjiagang [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Tianzhuang is a well-preserved ancient village in Zhangjiagang. A key figure behind its successful preservation is Yao Minggong, a 78-year-old retired worker and keen collector of historical relics.

"I have lived in the village since my childhood," Yao said, explaining why he is so emotionally attached to it.

"The Yang family helped my widowed mother and me after my father was killed by the Japanese (in World War II)."

His father was a well-dressed tailor, and was mistaken by Japanese soldiers for a resistance force leader. "He was shot dead with several other workers in Tangqiao not far from here. He was 29 years old. I was just a 1-year-old," Yao said in tears.

Life in the old village in Zhangjiagang [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Yao has collected thousands of ancient books, stone tablets, plaques and furniture related to the village. They are vital for preserving its history.