Nanzao Village, Fangshan

Nanzao Village, Fangshan

During several large-scale migrations in the early Ming Dynasty, settlers came to Nanzao Village to reclaim land, plant trees and cypresses, build graves and temples, and raise their descendants. The majority of these migrants still came from Shanxi, as evidenced by the old locust tree at the entrance of the village. The village truly flourished during the Guangxu era when coal resources were discovered and mined at the foot of the Greater Fangshan Mountain, attracting a large number of residents to settle here and make a living. This led to Nanzao Old Street being lined with shops and bustling with merchant caravans. The prosperity of Nanzao Village at that time has also left behind many historical relics for future generations.

Nanzao Village preserves authentic historical relics, ancient trees, and old streets that record the history of the old village. The village’s official survey lists seven items: the ancient opera house from the Kangxi era, the former site of the Renyi Bureau, the stele commemorating the renovation of the Renyi Bureau, the street-crossing tower, the Beiji Xuan Di Temple, the temple renovation stele, and the Dragon King Temple. In reality, there are even more—its old streets, traditional houses, ancient trees, and old millstones all carry a unique charm.

Location

Nanyao Village, Nanzao Township, Fangshan District, Beijing Municipality