Zhejiang Longyou Zhitang Ancient Buildings

Zhitang Village is located at the junction of Longyou, Lanxi and Jiande counties. It is backed by Tianchi Mountain in the north, with Damai Mountain as its backdrop in the southeast, and Mohuan Creek flowing through the southwest. The location of the village is in line with geomancy. According to research, Zhitang was originally named "Zitang". There was a large pond in front of the village, and a huge catalpa tree grew beside the pond, hence the name "Zitang", which later evolved into Zhitang. According to the "Longyou County Chronicles" (Clan Studies) of the Republic of China, the ancestors of the Shao family moved in from Shouchang in the 28th year of Zhiyuan in the Yuan Dynasty (1291), and the village has a history of more than 700 years. During the Southern Song Dynasty, there was war in the north and the capital was moved to Lin'an, and a large number of immigrants moved south. Zhitang was chosen by the immigrants because it was an auspicious place with lions and elephants that opened during the day and closed at night. Many of them settled in Zhitang to make a fortune. During the Ming Dynasty, when it was at its peak, talented people emerged in large numbers and passed the imperial examinations. Many court officials returned to their hometowns to build halls to bring honor to their ancestors, leaving behind many valuable cultural heritages. Zhitang Ancient Village takes Huataijiao as its central hub and is known as the Ancient Village of Small Streets. Small streets and alleys are connected and buildings are interconnected. It has been an important thoroughfare for officials and businessmen since ancient times, with wine shops, tea shops, drug stores and groceries, and its business is prosperous. Water drips all around, forming the mouth of a cloth bag, which means attracting wealth and treasure, and keeping the wealth within other people's fields. The ancient village expanded outward in three directions, with the construction of residential houses and ancestral halls, thus forming a village. There are 66 existing ancient buildings, including 27 from the Ming Dynasty, 34 from the Qing Dynasty, 5 from the Republic of China, and 1 from modern times. On the wall of the east wing of the entrance hall of "Donglinghou", there are inscriptions such as "The show troupe gathered in February of the 35th year of Qianlong (1770)". The ancient stage has been listed as one of the five major collections of world cultural heritage. Walking into the old street, you will find a different world. The narrow width of the street is just perfect for strolling, neither fast nor slow, and the leisure and slow pace of the ancient village can be felt everywhere. The houses in the old street are mainly in black, white and gray. The houses have lost their past bustle. The horse-head walls made of blue bricks and ancient tiles, and the two-story wooden buildings with flower windows are engraved with birds, beasts, pine trees, cranes, wintersweets, rich peonies, etc., retaining the charm of the ancient Anhui style buildings in central Anhui. There are many ancient handicraft workshops in the street, such as Chinese medicine shops, old barber shops, snack shops, etc., and the vicissitudes of history can be seen everywhere. There are 66 ancient buildings represented by Yongmutang, Xida Zongci Temple and Donglinghou, including 27 from the Ming Dynasty, 34 from the Qing Dynasty and 5 from the Republic of China. These buildings are not only numerous, but also unique and exquisite. Each building carries a piece of history and tells a story, allowing people to appreciate its exquisite craftsmanship while also feeling the rich historical heritage. In 2017, the Zhitang ancient building complex was announced as a key cultural relic unit in Zhejiang Province.