Pictures of the past, postcards to the future

Zhang Yinquan left his village for a better life, but discovered his transformed home is where he is happiest

East or west, home is best. Zhang Yinquan, a 35-year-old who runs a post office in his hometown of Xihe in the south of Henan province, has a profound understanding of this proverb. For him, home has not only comforted his restless soul, but also helped unlock his good fortune.

Xihe is a typical ancient Chinese town. On one hand, it is rich in natural resources and culture, including many old trees, bamboo forests and more than 150 ancient dwellings from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). On the other, the village suffers from a weak economy, lack of vitality, and a growing number of parents whose children have left home.