The "Shenlang camphor" consists of two trees that are said to have been planted by Zhu Xi, a renowned thinker and philosopher in China's southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). After over 800 years of enduring wind and frost, the trees have grown into towering figures, presenting a curious sight; one has withered while the other thrives. It mirrors China's long-standing traditional culture, which is now revitalized with new energy in this new era after thousands of years of being passed down through generations.

Giray Fidan, a sinologist from Türkiye, takes us to an ancient village with a 700-year history in Sanming City, southeast China's Fujian Province – Zhu Xi's birthplace – to explore the secrets of cultural continuity and progress.