Chang Le Ancient Village in Lanxi, Zhejiang

The history of Chang Le Village can be traced back to the late Yuan Dynasty. When Zhu Yuanzhang led his army through this area, he saw the villagers living in harmony and couldn't help but exclaim: "This is truly a village of Chang Le (everlasting happiness)!" Thus, the name "Chang Le" was spread and gradually evolved into "Chang Le." Designed according to the principles of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, Chang Le Village ingeniously blends natural and cultural landscapes, earning it the reputation of being a real-life version of the famous painting "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains." Chang Le Village preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with a total of 127 ancient buildings listed as national-level protected structures. It is the first village in China to be entirely included in a key protection unit. These ancient buildings not only showcase the artistic charm of ancient architecture but also carry a rich history and culture. Ancestral halls and temples within the village, such as the Jin Dazong Ancestral Hall and Chongde Ancestral Hall, are not only places for villagers to worship their ancestors but also precious legacies showcasing ancient architectural art and culture. In addition to the well-preserved ancient building complex, traditional activities such as releasing seven-star lotus lanterns, the Xiangyinjiuli (village drinking ceremony), the medicinal cuisine workshop, and Wu Opera performances attract many tourists. Chang Le Village is listed as a second-batch Chinese Traditional Village, a 3A-level scenic spot in Zhejiang Province, and its ancient building complex is a national key cultural relic protection unit.