Daiyuan Ancient Village

　　I had long heard that Daiyuan is a thousand-year-old ancient village, hidden away in Xiaotian Township, Ningdu County. The village boasts many old alleys, ancient houses, and even ancient wells and ponds, all exuding a strong sense of antiquity and a serene traditional charm. It is a typical Hakka settlement. Thus, I finally couldn’t resist the urge to visit and explore its historic allure.

　　It was early winter, and the warm sun shone lazily. The red maples on the surrounding mountains stood like blazing torches, quite eye-catching, while the fields looked somewhat desolate. At the village entrance stood two tall archways built from bluish-gray granite, featuring a two-pillar, one-beam structure. The striking inscriptions “Imperial Bestowment” and “Commendation for Righteousness” marked the famous “Guan Minchun Righteousness Archway,” constructed in the sixth year of the Zhengtong era during the Ming Dynasty. Further ahead lies the “Guan Family Ancestral Hall,” whose dignified structure, grand exterior, upturned eaves, striking reliefs, and unique design speak volumes. It is said that during the late Tang Dynasty, the ancestors of the Guan family migrated southward to this place, established their roots, and started their livelihoods. Since then, their descendants have flourished, with the family tree now spanning 49 generations—all villagers surnamed Guan.

　　With eager steps, we stepped into this little-known ancient village and into the history of Daiyuan. Surprisingly, the village is home to so many ancient buildings, most dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Each structure emits an air of age-old history, carrying a profound sense of historical vicissitude. Some old houses have collapsed, worn down to mere skeletons; others are propped up by just one or two long granite slabs at the doorframes, teetering quietly in the warm sun as if narrating their past glory and present decline, helplessly guarding their last shred of dignity. However, many more houses remain remarkably well-preserved, with carved beams and painted rafters, wooden corridors and eaves, and prominent stone walls, all rich in vintage charm. The bluestone slabs paved in the courtyards are flat, simple, and elegant. Stone pathways made of cobblestones crisscross in every direction, intricate and interconnected. Even more astonishing are the ancient wells scattered throughout the village, all encircled by granite and topped with bluestone slabs. Though classic and quaint, the water inside is as clear as a mirror. In front of the village flows a small river, with numerous ponds along its banks... One can imagine how much the villagers of Daiyuan value hygiene, digging wells for clean drinking water—truly the purest source possible.

　　According to the villagers, the village once had over 80 ancestral halls, with the largest, the Guan Family Ancestral Hall, comprising nine buildings, 13 halls, and 108 rooms. In front of the village stood the “Baodongmen” gate tower, and behind it, the “Guangmen Pavilion,” both imposing structures that served as essential passageways in and out of Daiyuan. Sadly, they were all lost to the ravages of time. Today, the village retains nine wells and 13 alleys, with an ancient post road in front connecting Nanfeng and Yihuang counties. One can only imagine how prosperous and affluent Daiyuan must have been in its heyday, with villagers self-sufficient and content. There’s also the Righteousness Archway at the village entrance. According to the *Ningdu Direct-Controlled Prefecture Records*, “In the sixth year of Zhengtong, Guan Minchun donated 1,200 stones of grain for famine relief and was commended for righteousness, leading to the erection of this archway.” This shows that the ancestors of Daiyuan were courageous and righteous, living lives worthy of song and tears.

　　Walking through the alleys of Daiyuan, I often find myself stopping involuntarily for minutes, hoping my emotions might connect with the ancient history. I slow my pace slightly, trying to take in the intricate carvings on doors and windows. Every cobblestone alleyway stirs my imagination. Indeed, the narrow lanes, rugged granite stones, and the dilapidated ancestral halls—resembling the worn teeth of an old man—make it impossible for my heart to stay calm. The distant mountains are bluish-gray, and the ancient village shares that hue, blending seamlessly into an expansive, profound tableau that makes history feel tangible, pressing heavily between heaven and earth. It’s like a jar of aged wine sealed for decades; though the packaging may be old-fashioned, it’s rich with meaning, deeply satisfying to savor. Strolling here, one inhales the subtle aura of antiquity that permeates the air, creating the sensation of stepping into the world of classical Ming or Qing vernacular novels. Especially when the setting sun hangs low over the village, the river stretches vast and muddy as a ribbon flowing eastward, and the majestic old archway casts its dusk silhouette at the village entrance—the feeling of having melted into history becomes vividly intense. And when dawn breaks through the morning glow, the ancient, towering ancestral halls are the first to bathe in the morning light. Yes, in Daiyuan Ancient Village, what leaves the deepest impression is its rustic charm and serene, timeless sentiment.

　　Of course, life for the people of Daiyuan today has improved greatly compared to the past. A cement road connects the village to the outside world, a sight that inspires envy. Modern conveniences like communication, electricity, and television have also merged with the ancient civilization. Even more exciting is the strong awareness among the villagers to preserve their ancient cultural heritage—they are keen to protect this thousand-year-old village in its entirety.

　　Wandering through this millennium-old village, I’d say the impression of Daiyuan has lingered in my heart all along. Though the villagers are simple folk, their deep commitment to safeguarding their homeland has always filled me with immense admiration. When elders recount the past, pride is always written across their faces; even the innocent smiles of the children reveal how the ancient Hakka culture has shaped them. The traces of time are evident in the villagers’ words and actions, exuding a simplicity and weightiness that is truly profound.

　　Though time remains silent, history cannot be fabricated. Here, I seem to see the glorious halo of a thousand-year-old village shining through the ages, and I can almost touch the authentic and sacred essence of Hakka culture that has gradually faded away. Of course, our visit—whether this one or any future ones—cannot stir much dust from this ancient place. After all, we are but fleeting passersby in the river of time. Being able to write this short piece is satisfaction enough. (Zheng Hanming)

　　Source: China Ganzhou Network – Gannan Daily, Zheng Hanming