The Ancient Ecological Village of Lanyu

The Ancient Ecological Village of Lanyu

Lanyu Village is a natural village located in the southeastern part of Hetou Village, Fanzhen Town. The name "Lanyu" is said to be related to Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s eastern tour to Shangdapeng Mountain. Some local elders are always eager to talk about Lanyu. Back then, when Emperor Qin Shi Huang arrived at Xianxia Ridge, he saw that the terrain here rose like a small island, covered with fragrant orchids, exuding a rich aroma. He sat down to look around and asked his accompanying officials what the place was called. But none of them could answer. So, Emperor Qin Shi Huang stroked his beard and smiled, saying, “Since none of you know the name of this place, then I shall bestow one upon it. How about calling it Lanyu?” Since then, the name Lanyu has been used to this day.

This poetic village boasts an elegant and unique environment. Geographically, Lanyu Village is fronted by Jianding Mountain and backed by Daopeng Brain. The Xianxia Stream, which cascades down from Xianxia Ridge, flows past the front of the village. A few hundred meters below the village, dozens of tall ancient camphor trees stand densely, casting thick green shade over a stone-paved path, bringing a refreshing coolness to those who walk along it. At the entrance of the village, there is a small stone bridge and beside it, a stone table where villagers wash clothes. Crossing the bridge and climbing over a dozen steps, you’ll find a Qing Dynasty building with five rooms and two wing-rooms. Though not very large, the structure blends harmoniously with its surroundings, a true masterpiece of design. In front of the house stands a large ginkgo tree, its lush branches reaching straight toward the sky. Around the ginkgo tree, a small open space is home to a couple of chicken flocks playing around, evoking the classic charm of “a small bridge, flowing water, a cottage, withered vines, old trees, and dusky crows.” Lanyu Village originally had over 30 households, but some have since moved away, leaving only about 10. On both sides of the village, besides dense bamboo forests, there are also large trees such as osmanthus and maple. Particularly remarkable are two ancient camphor trees whose roots are joined but upper trunks split apart, resembling two giants guarding the village—locally referred to as the “Mandarin Duck Trees.”