Xinye Ancient Village has a history of over 800 years and is the largest gathering place of people surnamed Ye (叶) in China. In 2000, it was inscribed on the list of ‘Historic and Cultural Area under the Protection of Zhejiang Province’. It is one of the few places immune to the rapid urbanization and still retaining its primitive style. Here visitors can experience the tranquility seldom found in urban world.

The village is well known for its antique architecture of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties. Over 200 ancient buildings with exquisite wooden carvings, including residential houses, pagodas and temples are all witnesses of the village’s age-long history and profound culture. These buildings are connected by hundreds of zigzag alleys of different length and width, adding more antique beauty to the village.

People there are friendly and sincere and are always ready to make tourists feel at home. They live a simple but content life and pay abundant attention to their customs. The most important worship ceremony in the village is held annually on the third day of the third lunar month. On that special day, families gather together having big meals, appreciating folk arts and setting fireworks. The day is considered as the best time to appreciate the views and essences of the village.