"Are you Ultraman today?" Brian Linden joked with a boy who visited his Linden Center in Dali, a well-known tourist destination in southwest China's Yunnan Province. "And you must be Guangtouqiang," he asked another boy, referring to a funny Chinese cartoon character.
The dialogue set off a burst of laughter among the visitors.
This is an important part of Linden's daily routine — interacting with people from all over the world — whether they are guests of this traditional courtyard-turned-hotel or curious visitors.
Brian Linden, founder of Linden Center in Dali city, interacts with visitors. /CGTN Photo
"This project is a dream for me. I love doing it. The benefits to me go far beyond monetary," Linden told CGTN.
Developing a crush on China
Born and raised in Chicago, Linden firstly came to China in 1984 by chance. He was a carpet-cleaner until a professor he worked for inspired him, and advised him to try a different career.
"I said I don't really know what else I can do. I don't really have any other options," Linden recalled.
The professor had just returned from China at a time when the country started its reform and opening up policy. He saw vast opportunities in the Asian country and suggest Linden apply for an opportunity to study in China. And to Linden's surprise, he succeeded.
Brian Linden taking a picture with Chinese children in the 1980s when he first came to China. /Courtesy of Linden Center
His four-year stay in the Chinese capital of Beijing turned out to be a journey full of excitement.
He was unexpectedly invited to take a role in a movie shortly after he arrived. He then got an offer from CBS to work in its Beijing bureau as a cameraman, during which he witnessed renowned journalist and TV host Mike Wallace's exclusive interview with then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1986.
These experiences enabled the young American man to know more about China in terms of its history, culture and social development, and cultivated his affection to the country.
"Those years were crucial to my life," said Linden.
In 1988, he went back to the U.S. for his master degree.
Making effort to bridge different cultures
After traveling to more than 100 countries, the whole Linden family moved to China in 2004 to fulfill his long-cherished dream.
"Our plan and goal was to come to China and try to find an old structure, and converted it to something that will be a place with a highlight and venerate Chinese culture and turned it into an opportunity for people to come and interact, including foreigners and Chinese, and of course, our local villagers," said Linden.
The traditional courtyard sits in Xizhou ancient town of Dali city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. /CGTN Photo
After two years of investigation across China, they finally decided to settle down in Xizhou, an ancient town in Dali. Here, they rented a courtyard built by one of the wealthiest man there in the 1940s and transformed it into a boutique hotel.
"Many people are attracted to Dali because of the beautiful weather, because of the scenery. That's understandable. But we were not here because of that — we were here because of the people, because of the culture," said Linden.
The courtyard, which reflects the typical architectural style of the local Bai ethnic group, is preserved as a key cultural relic site by the country. Linden said this is a way to protect the precious structure.
"The principle was to not impact, not change any aspect of the physical appearance," he noted. "We have not destroyed anything, any of the original structure. For example, we built the bathrooms in a way that can be completely removed and not impact any of the wooden structure."
The entrance to the courtyard, which is now called Linden Center. /CGTN Photo
With about 15 guestrooms, 40 percent of the courtyard, named Linden Center, is used as common spaces, including a library, yoga room and game room, among other facilities, which can also be used by local villagers. Linden stressed that this is more than a hotel.
"Our goal was to use the existing culture as a way for visitors to have a deeper experience and interaction with China," he said. "This now becomes a way of enchanting the world of softening some of the modern aspects of China and reminding people that China has 5,000-year-old culture as well. This is living proof of it."
Over the past few years, the Linden Center has organized a series of cultural activities that engage young people from different countries, including local children, during which they explored local culture from diverse aspects like food, arts and architecture.
Expecting to carry on the program
By collaborating with local government, the Linden Center now has three courtyards, which are attracting a growing number of visitors. They are now working to set up two other similar centers in Tengchong, another popular tourist attraction in Yunnan, and in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.
"I've invested my life here. I'm not giving it up, and I'm going to continue to do exactly what I've done," said Linden, adding that he hopes his programs can contribute somewhat to deepen people's understanding of China.
"I wanna people to love China the way that I do, and I feel that I love the big cities in China, but I also love this. And I wanna people to have more balanced approach and understanding of China," he said.
The Linden family pose for a photo in southwest China's Guilin city. /Courtesy of Linden Center
The Linden couple home schooled their two children in the unique courtyard up till college. One of them is currently working in Washington D.C. while the other has yet to graduate.
"I hope that someday maybe my children will want to come back as well and carry on," said Linden, stressing that he would stay in China as long as he can be active and passionate.
(Cover: Brian Linden walks with local villagers of Bai ethnic minority in Dali. /Courtesy of Linden Center)