The weather is really hot recently; the temperature easily climbs above 35°C. I believe that many people are just like me, loving and hating summer at the same time. We are tired of its sultry weather and heatwave, but love the vitality summer brings. Today, we’ll recommend a few ancient villages, all of which are proper places for a summer vacation!
Maoping Ancient Village 茆坪古村
Luci Town, Fuchunjiang Town, Tonglu County (桐庐县富春江镇芦茨乡)
Located in the deep mountains at the southernmost part of Tonglu, Maoping Village has a history of 900 years. The village boasts mostly Ming and Qing-style architecture with white walls and black tiles.
An ancient road paved with cobblestones passes through the village from north to south. It was also an important trade passage from Tonglu to Pujiang, Yiwu, and other places in ancient times. ️
When walking in the village surrounded by mountains on three sides and boasting greenery everywhere, the breeze will caress your cheeks and you will see small bridges, flowing water, stone lanes, ancient roads... an ancient ink painting scroll will slowly spread out in front of you.
Shishe Village 石舍村
Shishe Village, Fuchunjiang Town, Tonglu County (桐庐县富春江镇石舍村)
In Tonglu, there is a small village, which is surrounded by mountains and streams. With birds chirping and mountain streams gurgling, walk leisurely along the path and you’ll find intoxicating scenery everywhere. This is the Shishe Ancient Village.
Looking from the green forest surrounded by mountains and lush trees, you can see old houses with black tiles and white walls scattered across the winding valley.
The village is not big with only slightly over a hundred houses, but it gathers ancient roads, homestays, coffee shops, handicraft shops, and intangible cultural heritage snacks. In addition, you can see art everywhere.
By the side of the village is the emerald-green Luci Creek (芦茨溪), which is so clean that you can see the small fishes in the river. This summer, go to Luci Creek with some friends to play in the water and enjoy the cool, as if returning to the carefree summer vacation when you were a child.
Tangbu Village 塘埠村
Tangbu Village, Pingyao Town, Yuhang District (余杭区瓶窑镇塘埠村)
Tangbu Village is located in Pingyao Town, Yuhang District. The village has ancient roads leading from the ancient Kingdom of Yue to Wukang, Huzhou, and Suzhou. It is paved with incomplete cobbles and lined with lush bamboo forests. There is also the famous pass "Meeting Ridge (相见岭)", which is a great traditional summer escape.
The Tanshi Temple (坛石寺) at the entrance of the village is worth mentioning. It has a history going back to more than 1,000 years ago. It is said that Emperor Qianlong once visited the place when he went on the inspection tour to the Jiangnan Region.
There is also a group of naturally-formed ancient trees here. The largest Chinese elm tree here has been around for more than 300 years. Under the tree is the stream flowing down from the mountain. Playing in the water here is very cool even on a sunny day.
The crystal-clear stream, the cool breeze, the sunlight shining through the ancient trees that people see when looking up...The people here live in houses relying on the hills, and they go to work when the sun rises, and return home to rest when the sun sets. Everything here narrates the tranquility and the far-reaching connotations of this ancient village.
Xinye Ancient Village 新叶古村
Xinye Village, Daciyan Town, Jiande City (建德市大慈岩镇新叶村)
Presumably, everyone knows one thing or two about the village. Being the filming place of the famous reality show "Where Are You Going, Dad", the village has gradually gained popularity, and it is indeed a good place to visit in summer.
The whole village features the Ming and Qing-style folk houses, and houses are connected and surround a narrow courtyard. The buildings are very well preserved.
Walking into the village is like walking into a maze. The village is packed with all sorts of streets and lanes. Lanes are narrow and deep, flanked by high and enclosed houses with all of them featuring white walls.
The most iconic buildings in the village are the "Tuanyun Pagoda (抟云塔)" and "Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁)" at the entrance of the village. There are also many ancient ancestral halls. On the beams of each ancestral hall are hanging plaques handed down from generation to generation, which are antique and delicate.
This season, the lotus flowers in the village are in full bloom. With the breeze blowing, the lotus flowers are swaying elegantly; When the breeze stops, the lotus flowers stand gracefully erect... The scorching sun adds some poetic touch to the summer.
Zhi’nan Village 指南村
Zhi’nan Village, Taihuyuan Town, Lin'an District (临安区太湖源镇指南村)
It is said that Zhi’nan Village is the most beautiful in autumn. At that time, the place boasts red leaves and hundred-year-old ginkgo trees all over the mountains and plains. As a matter of fact, the scenery in summer is also excellent.
From Hangzhou to Lin’an by way of Fanshui Reservoir (畈水库), the scenery along the winding hillside road is really beautiful and comfortable. There are also clear and cool creeks on the roadside. You can stop and play in the water, which is very pleasant!
The most famous thing in Zhi’nan Village is the layer upon layer of terraced fields on mountains. The terraced fields climb up and down, like a painter splattering layers of colorful glaze on the canvas at will, drawing the most beautiful mountain view in his heart.
This summer, you can make a pot of tea, sit in the Zi'nan Pavilion (紫南亭) and listen to the cicadas on the century-old tree, or lean against the rails around the Tianchi Pool (天池) with a fan while watching the reflection of the stars in summer in the water, to enjoy a quiet, peaceful slow life in this “village on the clouds” that is away from the hustle and bustle.
Maybe in everyone’s heart hides a dream of desiring to return to one’s original nature. Let's be away from the hustle and bustle of the city to feel the most pristine folk customs.
This summer, avoid the crowd, go to those treasure villages that feature scenery that is more beautiful than photos to pursue the life we yearn for!