Zhangyi Shuiwei Ancient Village, Hunan

The founding father of Shuiwei Village, Mr. Tianlong, passed the imperial examination in 1329 during the reign of Emperor Wenzong of Yuan Dynasty. He then left his ancestral home, Wazijie, Shanghang County, Tingzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province, to serve as the magistrate of Ruyuan County, Guangdong Province. Mr. Tianlong loved to travel around the mountains and rivers, visiting ancient sites and exploring wonders. In 1333, during the first year of the Yuantong reign of the Yuan Dynasty, he traveled to the neighboring Yizhang County and found that this place was surrounded by mountains and rivers with beautiful scenery, making it an excellent geomantic treasure land. Soon after, he resigned from his position as magistrate and moved his family here. Through the efforts of several generations, Shuiwei Village gradually became a well-known Liu clan settlement in the area. To date, the ancient village has a history of more than 680 years. During its peak, the population reached more than 2,000 people, and currently there are still more than 900 people. The ancient residential complex in the village covers an area of approximately 30,000 square meters, and there are more than 10 well-preserved ancient buildings. Wenchang Palace, the ancestral hall, the gate tower, the large pond, and Shuiwei Elementary School are all made of gray bricks and tiles. There are more than 40 ancient houses and 20 ancient alleys, paved with square stone slabs, neatly arranged from the beginning to the end of the alleys, revealing the unique architectural style of southern Hunan residences: "dignified and simple, restrained and profound." It is the fifth batch of traditional Chinese villages.