Kantou Ancient Village, a hidden gem on the Anhui-Zhejiang scenic byway

Located in Jiapeng Township, Jixi County, Anhui Province, Kantou Village (also known as "Kan") is a centuries-old Ming Dynasty village, listed as a traditional Chinese village, and the starting point of the Anhui-Zhejiang scenic byway. The local saying, "Kantou, Kantou, three-tiered beds," vividly depicts the village's undulating terrain, hence its name. [Geography] The village is surrounded by mountains and water. Five mounds are scattered within the village: Wenbi Mound, Lion Mound, Taling Mound, Bagua Mound, and Dongshanying Mound. Three peaks stand tall beside the village: Shoushan Peak, Yanghe Peak, and Pingdingshan Peak. Six mountains encircle the village, reaching for the sky: Fanzhen Peak (1349m above sea level), Huangmao Peak (1278m), Menqian Rock (1109m), Shanyun Peak, Taipao Peak, and Mo Dao Shi Mountain. The Yunchuan Stream (also known as "Jianzhou" or Kantou River) meanders through the village in an S-shape. [History] Founded in 1369, the 22nd-generation descendant of Xu Ru (who lived in Xucun, She County), Xu Tailai, chose this "beautiful place with arching clouds and swirling streams" as a geomantic treasure. He moved from the nearby Xiashui Village, five kilometers away, to establish the village, build ancestral halls, and grow the population. [Ancient Architecture] Built in 1859, "Water Street" is the main street of the village, surrounded by 14 ancient alleys, 10 ancient bridges, 10 ancient ancestral halls, 5 ancient temples, 5 ancient mills (water-powered rice hullers), 4 ancient archways, 2 ancient mansions, and 1 ancient tower. Within a distance of less than 500 meters, there are three ancient archways with exquisite stone carvings. The most impressive one is the Chastity and Filial Piety Archway in front of the Xu Clan Ancestral Hall. The nearby Tingquan Tower was originally built in the Ming Dynasty. The village is relatively small, but its ancient bridges and buildings are hidden gems, with winding paths and secluded spots. Personally, I find it more interesting than Shangcun Village on the Anhui-Zhejiang scenic byway. There is a small parking lot inside the village, and a photo pavilion on the road outside the village overlooking the village. There are hiking trails to Meiganling. 🅿️Address: Jiapeng Township, Jixi County, Anhui Province 🚘Navigation: "Kantou Ancient Village," 2 km from Meiganling, 50 km from the county seat.