Ma'an Village

　　Ma'an — situated on the left bank where the Linxi River flows in winding curves. Over the years, the constant impact of the river and the accumulation of silt have created a mountain basin. The eastern side of the basin is backed by mountains, from the foot of which extends a flat area shaped like a “saddle.” Ma'an Village is built on this basin. The village’s agriculture is primarily rice-based, with plantings of fir and oil-tea camellia. Viewed from above, the village appears as a peninsula surrounded by winding water on three sides, radiating outward into the surrounding farmland, with homes clustered together in a circular formation at the center. The drum tower stands on a raised terrace in the middle of the basin, with a drum tower square in front of it. Residential houses spread out layer by layer around the drum tower. There are six looping roads forming the framework of the village. Along the riverside at the edge of the village is a stone-paved path that encircles the settlement. This path intersects with two entry roads, forming the main internal transportation route. In addition to irrigation water from the Linxi River, the village also has springs flowing down from the mountains. At the foot of the mountains, these springs pool into ponds used for fish farming and firefighting. Drinking water mainly comes from the mountain springs and three stone wells. The village includes one wind-and-rain bridge, two drum towers, three village gates, and four land temples. Beyond the wooden houses, there are expansive, neatly arranged rice fields. Outside the fields, the Linxi River flows past the village, and one of the world’s four great bridges, the Chengyang Yongji Bridge, spans the Linxi River downstream from Ma'an Village.

　　Source: Tourism Bureau of Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County