Xu Jinlin paints in his study. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

With just a pen, Xu Jinlin from Nantong, Jiangsu province, has brought the "disappeared" ancient town back to life on paper, allowing it to endure in the hearts of many.

As he unrolls his seven-meter-long painting, Millennial Ancient Town, Xu's eyes glisten with both light and tears. This artwork encapsulates all his cherished memories of his hometown, Lyusigang town, in Nantong's Qidong.

Born in 1940, Xu discovered his love for drawing at a young age, relying solely on self-study and imitation. His work, Millennial Ancient Town, is more than just a painting; it's a beautifully detailed historical map.

The painting captures nearly all the core areas of old Lyusigang. From landmarks like Muxian Tower and Sanguan Temple to a humble mill, a stone bridge, and a small pastry shop, he strives for faithful restoration.

Part of the Millennial Ancient Town by Xu Jinlin. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

"I wanted to capture not just the houses and bridges but also how people lived back then," Xu said. Thus, the figures in the painting have expressions, actions, and stories, making the entire work resemble a silent film that reflects the everyday life of the ancient town.

What moves viewers most, upon close examination, is not the accuracy of the architecture and streets but the vibrant depiction of everyday life: Temple fairs, wedding ceremonies, passing fishing boats, and more.

Why did Xu dedicate nearly two years to creating such an extensive scroll in his later years? His answer is simple: the fear of forgetting and being forgotten. "When I was young, I used to go out to collect firewood and enjoyed exploring, so I have deep memories of the area," he said. "Now many of those places are gone, and the younger generation doesn't know what Lyusigang used to look like."

In today's fast-growing urban world, countless ancient towns like Lyusigang are changing their appearance. Xu is not an architect and cannot restore ancient buildings. Yet, with the eyes and skills of an artist, he has preserved a visible, warm, and tangible memory for future generations.