Xiachang Ancient Village

Xiachang Ancient Village

Xiachang Village is located in the northwest of Longquan City, Lishui, historically known as "Yunwu Ancient Village." During the Song Dynasty, Guan Shifu from Longquan secluded himself on Baiyun Cliff behind the village. He planted many camphor trees to repel insects, after which nearby mountain dwellers, such as the Wu family, moved in. In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Zheng Cheng'en migrated to Xiachang from Rongyang, Fujian (the Zheng family were descendants of Zheng Chenggong), and formed the settlement. The village was named "Xiachang" because of a thousand-year-old camphor tree at its water inlet. The ancient village is surrounded by shady trees, dense forests, and misty landscapes, resembling a tranquil fairyland.

The ancient village originated in the Northern Song Dynasty and has a history of over a thousand years. Surrounded by high mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and uniquely shaped rocks and waterfalls, nature’s artistry is on full display here. The village preserves well-maintained relics from the Song Dynasty, ancient residential architecture complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and ancient stone-paved paths that blend seamlessly with the natural ecosystem.

The ancient residences from the Ming and Qing periods in the village feature intricate carvings and elegant designs, standing in well-preserved clusters. Their layout is staggered along the narrow, sloping land, adapting naturally to the surrounding terrain and mountain orientation. The site also includes the former residence of revolutionary martyr Zheng YuKui, a Longquan municipal cultural heritage site, as well as ancient structures such as Yunwu Academy and the Zheng Family Ancestral Hall.

Most buildings in the village are centuries-old houses with distinct Ming and Qing architectural characteristics. The residences are mostly traditional three-courtyard layouts, with the main structure typically facing east. Wings or auxiliary rooms flank either side. Due to the steep terrain, buildings are situated close together without enclosing walls. Doors and windows all open inward toward private courtyards, featuring delicate carvings and paintings. Building materials include local logs, rammed earth, and limited amounts of brick and lime, maintaining their natural hues. Foundations are made of stones, gradually decreasing in size from bottom to top, with a flat layer of pebbles at the junction with the wall. The upper sections consist of rammed earth walls and tiled roofs.

In the center of the village, a murmuring stream divides the settlement in two. Walking along smooth cobblestone paths, you’ll find the ancient alleyways flanked by three- to four-meter-high outer walls that enhance the serenity and depth of the lanes. Pushing open the door to "Yunwu Academy," the creak of the hinges startles a cat napping in the courtyard. The house, built with mud and timber, features finely carved window lattices and wooden pillars with vivid depictions of flowers, birds, fish, and insects. A stone table in the corner of the yard shows signs of moss growing on its base.

The village retains its old-world charm, with well-spaced, traditional houses, hospitable locals, and distinctive countryside cuisine. The vividly shaped Jigong Rock and the unique scenery of the terraced fields offer a memorable experience. The broad, flat-topped terrain is home to layered rice paddies, with the Qing Dynasty-era Xiachang Village sitting prominently at the center, named for the ancient thousand-year-old camphor tree at its entrance. Visitors can also admire century-old wild lingzhi mushrooms at the village temple, view poetry, calligraphy, and painting exhibitions at Yunwu Academy, and pay respects at the former residence of martyr Zheng YuKui, who died during the Wannan Incident. The village’s rustic guesthouses offer a unique and relaxing stay.

Transportation:

By car: Take the Longquan exit from the highway → Chuangye Avenue → Jianci West Road → West Ring Road → Provincial Highway 53 → Xidu Line → Xiachang Village.