Experience the Unique Blend of Culture and Cuisine in West Virginia

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to enjoy a bowl of American-style noodles made in a traditional Chinese folk house nestled in the mountains of West Virginia? Welcome to China Folk House, a remarkable cultural project brought to life by an American educator, John.

John’s Journey to Revive a Piece of Yunnan

John, a Chinese and history teacher at a religious school, embarked on his journey to China in 1991. His fascination with the rich history of the western regions of China, especially Xikang, led him to live in Ya’an, Sichuan, for four years. Before the pandemic, he frequently took students on educational trips to China. In 2016, upon learning that a beautiful, multi-ethnic folk house in Diqing, Yunnan would soon be submerged by a dam on the Lancang River, he made a daring decision to relocate it to the United States.

With its unique mortise and tenon structure, the house was simpler to dismantle than most people would assume. However, the journey to relocate it was nothing short of challenging. After laying the groundwork, the actual reconstruction began in 2019. Unfortunately, the pandemic’s impact delayed some of the connectivity and exchange between the two countries. Now, five years later, John, with the help of enthusiastic young students and volunteers, has nearly completed the reconstruction, with only the tile roof remaining. This project even piqued the interest of a former ambassador to the U.S., who visited before becoming Secretary of State.

A Cultural Center in the Heart of the Mountains

The revitalized folk house now serves as a cultural activity center and summer camp for middle and high school students. Here, students can engage in various activities, including woodworking, gardening, and home repairs. In addition, John is currently building three dormitories to provide accommodation. He plans to manage the center full-time after retiring from teaching.

Besides summer camps, the folk house hosts numerous events celebrating traditional Chinese festivals, such as the Spring Festival. Coming up next month, the Peking University Alumni Association will hold a fundraising event here, expecting over 200 attendees—a task that has John feeling quite overwhelmed.

Visiting Tips and What to Expect

From early March to mid-December, the folk house welcomes visitors. On weekends, you’re likely to find someone there, but it’s best to email John ahead of time to schedule a visit. If you arrive during the early season, you might find it quieter—perfect for a cozy chat with John, who, despite recently recovering from illness, is eager to share his love for the famous “Zhazhuang Mian” (noodles with sauce). He even jokingly mentioned his dream of opening a noodle shop catering to hikers on the nearby Appalachian Trail.

📍 Location: About a 1.5-hour drive from Washington, D.C., located at the intersection of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Search for “China Folk House” on Google Maps to find it easily.

Important Note for Travelers

The roads leading to the folk house can be tricky. When driving from D.C., remember to turn onto Mission Road instead of heading towards Riverside Community, where you’ll find signs warning against trespassing. Ignore the navigation prompts and do a U-turn to stick to Mission Road for a smoother drive.

Your Adventure Awaits!

Whether you’re an adventurer seeking the unexplored or a food lover looking for unique culinary experiences, a visit to China Folk House in West Virginia offers both. Don’t miss out on this rich blend of culture and community! 😄