Fan Shi Hetou Village

Fan Shi Hetou Village

A two-meter-wide flagstone path is flat and tidy, lined on both sides with rows of ancient buildings. There are no bustling streets or dazzling shops here—just an atmosphere of peace and tranquility reminiscent of a hidden paradise.

Not far from the village entrance, there is a square-shaped pond. In the middle of the pond, several flagstones are laid out—this is where local residents wash rice and vegetables. Though not large in area, the pond water is so clear that you can see the bottom. Locals call it the Lotus Pond, as it is said to have once grown lotus flowers. Further ahead, there is a right-turning alley called Shuigou Lane, named after a small stream that runs along its side. The murmuring stream flows year-round, nourishing every household in the area. Shuigou Lane is not long, but it has a unique charm, with classic old-style houses on both sides that still echo with the weight of history. At the junction of Shuigou Lane and the main street stands a small well known as Fangjing (Square Well). This well has quite a story behind it. It is said that hundreds of years ago, a local young man surnamed Fang married a woman surnamed Ren. Coming from a noble and wealthy family, the bride was arrogant and looked down on everyone after moving into her husband’s home. Her husband advised her, saying, “You may have brought a grand dowry and everything you could wish for, but the water you drink will always be from here.” To his surprise, the wife not only ignored his advice but the very next day spent several hundred taels of silver to have this square well dug. She declared, “Now even my water belongs to me.” Seeing her so combative, the husband secretly had the water source blocked, which finally humbled the boastful woman. Since then, Fangjing, Tongjing, and Shajing have become three famous wells in the Sanbei region.

On the outskirts of the village, there are ginkgo and camphor trees over 500 years old. In summer, these trees form a lush canopy, offering cool shade that complements the old houses, creating a true hidden paradise-like atmosphere.