A corner of Guo Cuoli's grand courtyard features a characteristic Southeastern Asian architectural style [Photo by Zhang Xiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

The lofty Yanzhen Tower of Putian, a coastal city in Southeast China's Fujian province, has since ancient times symbolized the dreams of local residents.

"Putian has not yet been reached; first we must see the Yanzhen Tower," was a saying widely circulated among Putian people who strove to make a living overseas, only to return.

For them, the ancient beacon was not only a guide, but also a symbol that reminded them of their personal histories.

Yanzhen, which in Chinese means a flock of wild geese winging though the azure sky, is an image of the large groups of homesick Putianese who today still long for their beloved hometown.

Their appeal to rebuild the tower, which was unfortunately destroyed during China's turbulent wars of the last century, received a wide and positive public response.

Huang Yusen, a 76-year-old local activist who played a leading role in the reconstruction campaign, said the project made substantial progress in 2008.

"Overseas representatives Gong Jinlin and Huang Tianbiao, as well as local entrepreneur Gong Zhenzhi contributed a lot to the program.

"A total of eight million yuan ($1.3 million) was raised and the rebuilding was carried out smoothly," Huang said.

Now, it is easy to scan the surroundings from the top of the 42-meter-high structure, and also to honor all the different efforts overseas Putianese have made for their hometown.