Wang Li, clad in traditional attire, traversed Qing-era architectural clusters in Zuobu Village, Nanlang subdistrict, Zhongshan on January 13. With the familiarity of a native storyteller, she detailed exquisite craftsmanship elements like blue brick facades and grey-plaster reliefs. As the grandson's wife of Sun Diefang, a key leader in the Guangzhou-Hankou Railway labor movement, Wang Li champions the restoration and adaptive reuse of these historic structures.

In 2021, Wang and her husband returned to Zuobu to renovate their ancestral house, the "Diefang Residence". Preserving the house's traditional exterior, they reinforced the structure and modernized interiors, creating a hybrid space that marries historical character with contemporary functionality. The house was designated a "Zhongshan Historic Building" in 2024. "I want to lead by example," Wang says, "so more will recognize the value of heritage houses and stop demolishing to rebuild."

Her efforts extend beyond her family's property. In Sun Jinfang's ancestral compound nearby, she discovered partially collapsed buildings from prolonged vacancy. Dubbed the "father of China's locomotive manufacturing", Sun Jinfang took part in building China's first steam locomotive. His family house showcases masterful craftsmanship with significant historical value. Wang advocates for holistic conservation of the compound, proposing its transformation into a cultural block to showcase the Sun family history and Zhongshan's local heritage.

During restoration, Wang unearthed her family history that enriched local revolutionary records. Collaborating with history departments, she verified that Zuobu natives Sun Kangzhao and Sun Ruixian were early Xiangshan-born members of the CPC.

"I deeply love this place," says Wang, now coordinating with experts to launch pilot projects for endangered houses and establish an exhibition hall to showcase Sun Jinfang's life.