Yan Village

　　Yan Village — Surrounded by mountains on three sides, with the Linxi River to the southeast, the terrain slopes from north to south. A small stream from the southwest runs through the hills, bends northeast at the north of the village, then flows southeast through the village into the Linxi River. This stream divides the village into eastern and western sections. The triangular area between the two streams east of the creek forms the eastern section of the village, which was the original core area of Yan Village. Its east and west sides are bordered by streams serving as natural moats, and the northern mountain side originally had defensive walls, of which only two gate towers remain. In the eastern section, near the Linxi River, there stands an old drum tower built on a steep stone retaining wall. It is a pavilion-style building with three bays, gable-and-hip roofs, and overhanging eaves at both ends. The central part features a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, creating a triple-eave effect. Walking downstream along the river from the drum tower, not far away by the riverside dock, there is a "Satan Altar" made of bluestone, surrounded by several ancient fengshui trees. The mountain peak behind the village is called "Yasa," meaning the “Satan Peak,” and is regarded as the village’s fengshui mountain. The village has five ancient flagstone paths that serve as its main traffic arteries, while narrow alleys and pathways—some paved with flagstones, others with cobblestones—lead to individual homes. The external streams, internal streams, ponds, and wells form a complete water supply system, among which four ancient wells with well pavilions serve as the main drinking water sources for villagers. The village also includes a new drum tower built in 2006 and a center for intangible cultural heritage exhibition.

　　Source: Tourism Bureau of Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County