In the shadow of the Great Wall of China, American architect Jim Spear has turned dreams into reality. Since moving to Beijing’s Mutianyu Village in 1994, Spear has revitalized abandoned buildings, breathing new life into historic communities.
“I always dreamed of owning a house beneath the Great Wall,” Spear shared. That dream led him to acquire a home in Mutianyu Village, where he began an ambitious renovation project.
He transformed an abandoned primary school into a bustling center featuring a restaurant, an art glass shop, and a gallery. In 2006, Spear renovated a disused glaze tile factory in nearby Beigou Village, converting it into a charming hotel.
These repurposed spaces have attracted visitors from around the globe, turning the villages into must-see destinations for those exploring the Great Wall. “It’s amazing to see how these places have come alive,” Spear remarked.
Jim Spear’s work showcases how passion and creativity can rejuvenate communities, preserving cultural heritage while fostering new opportunities beneath one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
