Ancient Architectural Complex of Laochi River

Ancient Architectural Complex of Laochi River

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Laochi River is a cultural relic protection unit of Hunan Province.

Laochihe Village is located in Miaobatan Town of our county, at the confluence of Xiche River and Dianfang River. Owing to its simple yet profound Tujia indigenous culture, majestic mountains, water systems, and ecological environment, it has been highly praised by experts and scholars, receiving honors such as “Museum of Indigenous Ethnic and Folk Cultural Heritage,” “Museum of Indigenous Tujia Residential Architecture,” “Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Art,” “Hometown of Chinese Tujia Brocade,” “Provincial Eco-Village,” “Hunan Provincial Ethnic Characteristic Village,” and “Cultural Relic Protection Unit of Hunan Province.”

Laochihe Village boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. It currently preserves five Ming Dynasty buildings, 58 from the Qing Dynasty, 34 from the Republican era, and 287 distinctive types of dwellings, including Jiaozi Houses, Siheyuan Water Houses, and Corner Towers—architectural elements that represent ancient Tujia construction and distinctive local residences, forming an extensive ancient architectural complex. In January 2011, it was included in the list of Hunan Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units.

The most distinctive structures in Laochihe Village are the Ming and Qing ancient architectural complexes, which are rare within the Wuling Mountain region. The residential houses face south and are built against the mountains in an orderly and spectacular arrangement. Among the over 200 residences in the village, there are five from the Ming Dynasty, 58 from the Qing Dynasty, 34 from the Republican period, along with unique structures such as the Sky-Piercing Tower, traditional oil mill, Hand-Waving Hall, and Wind-Rain Bridge. These ancient dwellings feature distinct architectural styles and decorations, with bright aesthetics, exquisite craftsmanship, and high historical, humanistic, scientific, environmental, and architectural art values.

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of Hunan Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units