Ancient Residential Houses of Xiashan

　　Xiashan is situated at the headwaters of the Qiantang River. To its northwest lies the scenic Huangshan Mountain Range, to the northeast borders the shimmering Qiandao Lake, and to the southwest is the Taoist sacred mountain Sanqing Mountain. It is just 12 kilometers from the Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park, with National Highway 205 running right through the area. Boasting unique regional advantages and profound cultural heritage, Xiashan offers much to explore.

　　The Ancient Residential Houses of Xiashan feature an ancient Tang Dynasty plank road stretching ten Chinese miles, connecting 361 well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses. Starting from Shizhuang Ridge and entering Qingyun Temple, visitors climb 213 steps before meandering through these historic dwellings. Highlights include a rich array of distinctive Huizhou-style architecture such as the Hualitang, Aijingtang, Yongxitang, Zhongjiangtang, and an ancient bell tower — all characterized by their white walls, black tiles, vivid brick and wood carvings, exquisitely detailed lattice windows, and masterful craftsmanship that is truly breathtaking. Over 1,300 years ago, the ancestors of Xiashan relocated here via the Shewei Trail to escape war, adopting the hardworking and frugal entrepreneurial spirit of the Huizhou merchants. Leveraging the geographic and resource advantages of the Qiantang headwaters, they harvested and traded timber, opened shops along the riverbanks, and sold a variety of goods including groceries, meat, and wine. Through generations of growth, the settlement evolved into a large village with over 4,000 residents, its ancient streets and alleys forming an intricate maze that often confuses outsiders. Xiashan also has a deep cultural foundation. Its people pursued a path from commerce to Confucian scholarship, and from learning to public service. Historical records note that in Xiashan, “many millionaires generously funded education,” leading to “several scholars achieving the status of Jinshi or Juren, with countless Xiucai and other degree holders.” Even today, the village still preserves six pairs of flagpole pedestals. Modern-day Xiashan continues to value education and has produced many notable individuals, including generals, professors, doctors, and renowned medical experts, living up to the legacy of their forebears.

　　This land has witnessed the turbulence of the Huang Chao Rebellion and the Taiping Rebellion, and bears the footprints of the Ming Dynasty’s Grand Secretary Shang Lu and the Ministry of Justice official Fang Hao. Here, ancient and mysterious legends thrive, alongside vibrant folk traditions such as dragon lantern dances, plank lanterns, and stilted bamboo horse performances. Wandering through the quiet old streets and alleys, strolling along the serene plank roads, gazing at the wisps of smoke rising from ancient rooftops, and listening to the tolling of the old bell tower mingling with the sounds of students reading — one can’t help but feel a deep sense of returning to nature and reminiscing about childhood.