East China's Zhejiang Province is dotted with many centuries-old villages that boast picturesque scenery and distinctive folk traditions. Over the years though, many of the province's oldest villages have been renovated and redeveloped in the name of promoting tourism.
Typically, this has meant pulling down antique structures and replacing them with antique-looking replicas, while also encouraging local residents to relocate. Crowds of sightseers have brought revenue to local governments and business owners, but at the expense of the original ambience.
However, untouched ancient villages can still be found in mountains and out-of-the-way corners of the province. Today, Shanghai Daily looks at three hamlets that still retain their original rustic charm.
Xikeng Village
This village is located at the border of Jinyun and Songyang counties. In olden times, the ancient Songxuan Road was the main path connecting Songyang and Wuyi counties. Merchants used the road to transport a variety of goods. The road wound through Xikeng and brought streams of visitors to this small village.
Although the road is no longer in use as a trading route, it still takes travelers past lofty trees, pristine creeks, tranquil valleys, waterfalls, quirky stones and fragrant herbs. Hiking along the beautiful road gives the impression of walking into a Chinese ink painting.
Throughout dynasties, villagers surnamed Ye and Ding have dominated the village. Their ancestors left more than 20 buildings dating to the Ming (1369-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties and 40 folk houses built in the Republic of China era (1912-1949). Today, these antique buildings are still in use, and some play the role of ancestral halls for worshipping forefathers.
Lush bamboo forests cover these ancient buildings and provide locals with raw material for crafts. Bamboo-woven knickknacks, daily necessities and utensils that display sophisticated knitting techniques and simple designs can be found throughout the village, where most residents are skilled in the art of braiding bamboo.
Since the village sits at the bottom of valley, mists shroud it throughout the year. Morning is an ideal time for shutterbugs to capture the village as it's shrouded in the ethereal haze.
How to get there: G2501 Expressway — G60 Expressway — G25 Expressway — 220 Provincial Road
