Xingtai Yingtan Ancient Village

Xingtai Yingtan Ancient Village

Xingtai Yingtan Ancient Village is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

Yingtan Village is located in Luoluo Town, in the western mountainous area of Xingtai County, Hebei Province, over 60 kilometers from Xingtai City and 8 kilometers west of Luoluo Town. The village is divided into three natural hamlets, with a total of 200 households and a population of over 620. Historical scholars have praised it as a blessed land of outstanding people and spiritual energy. The village features uniquely beautiful natural scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage. With its lush mountains and clear waters, simple and honest folkways, it is known for its one river, three mountains, six cliffs, nine valleys, eighteen hills, and the title "the No. 1 ancient stone village north of the Yangtze River." The ancient village built at the foot of the hill is surrounded by stone walls that look particularly solemn amidst the foliage. The eastern gate leading into the village resembles a small city tower with its tall stone entrance. The stone houses within the walls are built along the hillside, simple and elegant, scattered at varying heights. The golden corn drying on the rooftops complements the ancient trees, creating a simple, beautiful, and magical rural scene.

According to records, the village was first established in the second year of the Yongle era during the Ming Dynasty (1403 AD). At that time, a family surnamed Lu migrated here from Hongtong, built houses, settled down, and developed the community. It has a history of over 600 years. The village currently has 175 households and over 640 residents, cultivating more than 370 acres of farmland. It also owns over 10,000 acres of mountain land, with chestnuts and walnuts being the main cash crops.

Walking into the ancient village, you’ll find lush trees, small bridges over flowing streams, and blooming flowers everywhere. The streets paved with mountain stones and the stacked stone steps remain orderly despite hundreds of years of history. The rectangular stone houses are ancient yet sturdy. The residences built against the mountains are mostly two- or three-story buildings, which follow the terrain and can be entered from either the courtyard or the upper floors. From the streets to the houses, from the walls to the roofs, everything in the ancient village is paved or built with stones. Especially notable are the ancient city walls, watchtowers, and the four corner gates, all of which are highly distinctive—making the village resemble a medieval European castle.

Legend has it that during the late Tang Dynasty, the rebel army of Huang Chao once camped here and held a gathering of heroes, which led to the village being named Yingtan (meaning "Heroic Talk"). During the War of Resistance against Japan, it served as the base for the Kuomintang provincial government and the headquarters of the Jinnan Bank. The 67 courtyards built within the ancient village are exquisitely crafted, simple, and elegant, featuring the typical architectural style of ancient Taihang. The small stone towers, ancient city walls, Sihe Hall, dripping spring, and wave-patterned stone screen wall in the village have withstood centuries of weather and still retain their original appearance. This is one of the best-preserved stone villages discovered in northern China. The preserved folk customs here serve as important historical material for studying the local culture of southern Hebei during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With its simple folkways, beautiful mountains and waters, and pleasant climate, this serene mountain village is like a paradise on earth, captivating visitors who never want to leave.

Transportation Guide

Location: Yingtan Village, Luoluo Town, Xingtai County, Hebei Province

Getting There: Take a bus from Xingtai to Luoluo Town, then transfer to a minibus to Yingtan.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province