Xiwenzheng Village

Xiwenzheng Village boasts beautiful scenery and pleasant views in all seasons. To the south, you can gaze at the “Emerald Arch of Xingwu”; to the north, the “Graceful Deer Terrace” stands proudly. The village is embraced on the east and west sides, hence known as a “mountain-surrounded dwelling.” Established in the late Tang Dynasty, the village preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Eighteen ancient streets from those periods crisscross the area, stretching a total length of 1.5 kilometers. Among them, three Ming Dynasty quadrangle courtyards—“Fragrance Drifting under the Willow,” “Rock Steady and Ever Safe,” and “Upholding the Ancestors’ Legacy”—remain well-preserved to this day. The main houses, wing rooms, and reverse-facing rooms in these courtyards all have attached side chambers, representing the typical Shanxi-style “four large and eight small” residential layout, among which the “Liu Family Residence” is the most renowned. The Liu Family Residence was originally the home of descendants of Liu Zongyuan, a famous literary figure, philosopher, and essayist from Jiezhou Town in Hedong during the Tang Dynasty, historically known as the “Yongzhou Prefect.” It is built on a north-south mountain ridge east of the village. The overall layout and structure of the residence symbolize the meaning of “both wealth and rank,” surrounded by green mountains, lush forests, blooming flowers, offering a fresh and picturesque scene. It is a classic example of ancient Ming and Qing manor architecture.