Tangjia Ancient Well

Tangjia Ancient Well

In Jian Tou Town, Xintian County, there is an ancient village called Tangjia Village, which has a history of over 500 years. Village records indicate that the Tang family migrated from Yongzhou. Tangjia Village is a place where modern architecture blends with ancient village elements.

In front of the village is a pond, as clear as ever, with stone walls by its side still dark and smooth. Beneath the pond is an ancient well with a unique design. The four-eye well features two rectangular wells on either side and a round one in the middle. The well platform is entirely paved with granite, and the path above it is also made of granite slabs, effectively preventing wastewater seepage. The stone steps leading down to the well are broad and level. Above the ancient well is a small pond, but the source of the well water is not here—it is drawn from the mountains one to two kilometers to the south. According to local villagers, in the past, stone channels were buried underground to divert mountain water to the well; now, pipes are used. This is a notable feature of the well.

The well’s unique design and structure are a source of pride for the villagers of Tangjia. For centuries, it has nourished the surrounding land and facilitated daily life in the village. It is divided into distinct functional areas: drinking water, vegetable washing, and laundry/miscellaneous washing. Villagers consciously adhere to these designated uses. The well is surrounded by a square stone wall, a testament to its long history. The well has nurtured generations of people and witnessed its own legacy. In 2011, it was listed as a Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit of Hunan Province.

Jian Tou Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Xintian County. In 1949, it belonged to the Third District. In 1956, Fubai Township was established. In 1958, it merged with Shizi and Shiguwan (now Maoli) townships to form Jianshe Commune, later renamed Jian Tou Commune. In 1984, it became a township, and in 1995, it was upgraded to Jian Tou Town. Located in the southwestern part of the county, it covers an area of 54 square kilometers with a population of 21,000. The town government is based in Jian Tou. Provincial Highway 1818 runs through the town. It administers Shuiziling, Laowu, Sanyuanfang, Pengzicheng, Dongfanghong, Xintangpu, Tangjia, Longtang, Heisanling, Longxiu, Jian Touxi, Yinjiayishui, Xiafubai, Se’wan, Dongxin, Xinwu, Longyuan... More details about Jian Tou Town++

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of Hunan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units