Doukou Ancient Town

Doukou Ancient Town

Doukou is an ancient and exquisite village under the administrative jurisdiction of Shicheng Town, Pingshun County. Nestled deep in the valley landscape of the Taihang Mountains, it lies against mountains and faces water — “spanning the Zhang River and bordered by the Taihang range, nestled by Longmen and overlooking Fengbi.” The area boasts spectacular mountains and beautiful waters.

The main attractions of Doukou Village are its expansive complexes of Ming and Qing residential homes. These houses — built with timber frames, brick walls, and stone carvings — stand row upon row, courtyard adjacent to courtyard, facing courtyard across from courtyard. They are built along the natural terrain, snaking through the landscape, quietly accompanying the Zhang River in front of the village. For centuries, they have clung to the riverbanks, sheltering the people of Doukou. The courtyards, large and small, are predominantly designed as traditional quadrangle layouts, with architectural styles that are largely similar — blue bricks, black tiles, whitewashed walls, and stone bases. The exquisitely carved wooden and brick gateways are set off by uniquely designed screen walls, reflecting the tastes of their owners. If you look closely, you can even discern the "age" of each courtyard from subtle differences in construction.

You can also gauge the wealth of the former residents. The main halls of these homes are often adorned with fully carved wooden lattice windows and doors, supported by raw timber pillars that hold up high ridgelines and deep eaves, creating an imposing and prosperous atmosphere. The wing rooms on either side are built facing each other, mostly constructed from a mix of brick, wood, and stone, with the upper floor used for storage and the lower floor for living — keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. The servant quarters typically follow a one-hall-two-room guestroom-style layout, which is dry, spacious, and in some houses, still house original furniture such as long tables, chairs, and chests that are as old as the buildings themselves. After hundreds of years, the paint on these old pieces has faded and lost its luster, but they remain solid and durable. Most of the main gates are small yet ingeniously crafted structures of brick carvings and wood embellishments, serving as mutual foundations and decorations for one another. The small courtyards are paved with blue bricks, dotted with patches of green moss, and almost every yard has a thriving pomegranate tree, symbolizing the homeowners’ earnest hopes for their descendants. The pathways between the yards are paved with flagstones and stone blocks — not wide, just enough to allow donkey carts to pass — winding through the densely arranged homes and connecting the entire village. The courtyards stand shoulder to shoulder, and neighbors live within earshot of each other’s chickens and dogs.