Shangpaimen Ancient Village

Shangpaimen Ancient Village

Shangpaimen Ancient Village

Shangpaimen Ancient Village (Ancient Residential Complex), dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the Republic of China period. Located in the Wanqian, Wanli, Wansi, and Hegao villager groups of Tangwan Village, Tangwan Town, Tongcheng City — northwest of the town area, fronting the Tongqian Highway, and covering an area of over 20,000 square meters. The ancient village is surrounded by mountains on three sides and was built layer by layer from southeast to northwest following the terrain. All buildings are of brick-and-wood structure, with the basic form of the wooden framework being either post-and-lintel or raised-beam. The eaves walls and threshold walls are constructed with gray bricks (35 cm long, 20 cm wide, 10 cm thick) laid in staggered courses to provide enclosure and load-bearing support. Internally, the buildings are partitioned with mud-plastered walls or board partitions, and some are adorned with carved decorations and colored paintings. Courtyards are paved with cobblestones in herringbone patterns, while the door tower floors are laid diagonally with square bricks. The interiors are rammed earth, and the drainage channels under the eaves are winding and connected to hidden drains. Corridors between the buildings crisscross in intricate patterns, linking each independent structure. This layout reflects the characteristics of mountain-dwelling communities living in kinship clusters yet maintaining separate households. In addition to traditional residences, the village also features functionally distinctive structures such as ancestral halls that served ritual purposes.

The prototype of Shangpaimen Ancient Village took shape during the Ming dynasty, gradually expanded in scale during the Qing dynasty, and was further developed in the Republic of China period in the southeast and northwest parts of the village. Buildings from the Republican era, such as the Tang Family New and Old Houses, Tang Shuyin Old House, and Tang Ruyu Old House, were constructed adjacent to the ancient village and integrated with it as a whole.

The architectural layout of houses, courtyards, corridors, and drainage channels in Shangpaimen Ancient Village is well-coordinated, with compact spaces and tasteful variations. The color scheme of the buildings is simple and elegant. The site selection and overall planning fully embody the traditional concept of harmony between man and nature. From the natural surroundings outside the village to the buildings within, the original appearance of the ancient settlement has been well preserved, giving it significant historical, artistic, and scientific value. It serves as an important physical asset for the development of cultural heritage tourism.

Source: Tongcheng Cultural Relics and Museums

Tangwan Village: Located on the northwestern edge of Tongcheng City, Tangwan Village was formed by merging the former Liwan, Wangcao, and Tangwan villages. It is a mountainous poverty-stricken village, covering a total area of approximately 25 square kilometers. The village includes 651 mu of arable land and 19,832 mu of mountainous land, and comprises 21 villager groups with a total of 593 households and 2,080 residents. There are currently 1,020 members of the labor force, including 430 engaged in farming and about 600 working outside the village. The village collective income is around 55,000 yuan, and the per capita net income of villagers is 2,580 yuan.

Tangwan Village currently has 100 official Party members, including 16 female members. … More detailed information about Tangwan Village++