Sixiyan Village: Journey Through 800 Years of Huizhou Confucian Merchants' Dream

✨ Why Choose Sixiyan Village? 1. The Heritage of the "First Village of Confucian Merchants": Founded in the fifth year of the Qingyuan era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1199), with over 800 years of history, it was once a luxurious testament to the return of Huizhou merchants to their hometown. Ancient residences, ancestral halls, and academies abound, and every stone slab tells the story of past prosperity. 2. Stunning Huizhou-Style Architecture: White walls and black tiles, horse-head walls outline the skyline. Sixi and Yan villages face each other across the creek, resembling a Taiji Bagua diagram, with the "Three Carvings" (wood, brick, and stone carvings) astonishing the world. 3. A Filming Location Paradise: The 1987 versions of "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio" and "Blue and White Porcelain" were filmed here. Strolling through the ancient alleys feels like stepping into a classical film scene. 4. Scenic All Year Round, Especially in Spring: In March, rapeseed flower seas surround the ancient village, with golden hues contrasting the black-and-white buildings, making every snapshot a masterpiece. 🚶‍♂️ Recommended Highlights Tour Route 📍 Highlights of Sixi Village - Tongji Bridge: A century-old covered bridge at the village entrance where elders and children relax and chat, experiencing the most authentic Wuyuan life. - Zhenyuan Hall & Baishou Flower Hall: Qing Dynasty merchant residences featuring 96 wooden carvings of the character "Shou" (longevity) in different fonts, a folk art treasure. - Jingxu Hall: A filming location for "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio," with a gourd-shaped niche for "Respect and Cherish Paper," showcasing ancient reverence for culture. 📍 Highlights of Yan Village - Congting Hall: A scholarly family home from the Qianlong era, legendary for the "Ten Jin Families," with carved doors and windows reflecting the elegance of Confucian merchants. - Merchant-Shaped Main Gates: Almost every courtyard gate is shaped like the character "Shang" (merchant), symbolizing Huizhou merchants' glory. - Silver Treasury: A Qing Dynasty charity site storing disaster relief silver, reflecting Sixi Village’s tradition of helping the poor. 📸 Best Photo Spots - Early Morning 6:00-7:30: The ancient village shrouded in mist with curling cooking smoke, like an ink painting. - Evening 17:00-18:00: The sunset gilds the horse-head walls, reflecting in the creek, creating a dreamlike scene. 🍜 Must-Try Wuyuan Flavors - Red Carp in Lotus Leaf Wrap: The top of Wuyuan’s four colors, tender meat, classic braised style, rumored to have medicinal value. - Steamed Pork with Rice Flour: A Huizhou cuisine representative, fatty but not greasy, pork wrapped in rice flour steamed until tender, leaving a fragrant aftertaste. - Seasonal Farmhouse Dishes: Stir-fried toon with eggs, stuffed bitter melon, steamed tofu, cooked on a wood stove, preserving original flavors. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: Stay in a Century-Old Huizhou Merchant Residence - Guqulai Xiangju: A tea merchant’s residence from the Qianlong era, restored authentically, with three-carving craftsmanship everywhere, off-season prices starting at 300+ RMB. - Liaozhaiwu Hotel: A 300-year-old historic residence and filming location for "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio," now converted into a specialty restaurant and guesthouse. 🎫 Practical Information - Tickets: Single ticket 60 RMB, or purchase the Wuyuan Pass (210 RMB/5 days, including 12 attractions). - Transportation: - Self-drive: Exit Wuyuan on the Hangrui Expressway, follow signs. - Bus: Take a shuttle from Wuyuan North Bus Station to Sikou Town, then a 5-minute walk. - Tips: - Some ancient residences may close at noon; early or late visits are recommended. - Large temperature differences in spring and autumn, bring a jacket; carry an umbrella during the rainy season. 📣 In Summary: Sixiyan Village is a Huizhou old dream where time stands still, the aroma of wood-fired meals dances on your palate, and a spiritual home for photographers, culture lovers, and slow travelers. This spring, are you ready to encounter 800 years of romance?