Recently in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, a man meticulously recreated a miniature model of an old 1980s courtyard house using everyday materials like wooden boards and foam sheets. Through detailed carving and expert aging techniques, he brought every element to life, evoking memories of a bygone era.

The creator, Mr. Wang, who has a background in fine arts, taught himself the craft of miniature model-making through persistent practice. Each model takes around 30 days to complete and can earn him nearly 10,000 yuan ($1,370).

Mr. Wang believes that old buildings hold deep emotional value for many people, and recreating them can evoke nostalgia and a sense of connection to their hometowns. He sees strong market potential in miniature model-making as cultural and artistic interests continue to grow, suggesting it could become a flourishing industry.