Compared to Hongcun, I prefer this free, secluded ancient village.

Among Anhui's ancient villages, Hongcun and Xidi are famous and crowded with tourists. But there's a low-key ancient village, unadorned, serene, and exuding a unique charm: Nanping. Nanping was built at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, and the wheels of time have left deep marks here. The village's 8 solemn ancestral halls carry the family's glory and heritage; 36 wells nourish generations of villagers; 72 ancient alleys wind like a maze; and over 300 Ming and Qing dynasty houses stand in perfect harmony, each brick and tile telling stories of the past. It's known as the "Chinese Ancestral Hall Architecture Museum." Famous films like "Ju Dou" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" were filmed here, adding a veil of mystery. Compared to Hongcun and Xidi, Nanping has far fewer tourists. Backed by green mountains, with smoke curling from chimneys, Hui-style ancient buildings stand side by side, and alleys crisscross, creating a secluded paradise far from the hustle and bustle of the world. Walking here feels like traveling back in time to a simple and tranquil era. Travel Guide - By car: Navigate to the northwest gate parking lot of Nanping Scenic Area for easy access. - Public transport: Take a taxi from Yixian East Station to Nanping, which takes about 30 mins. If you're not staying overnight, be mindful of the return time and avoid returning too late, as taxis are harder to find at night. - Tickets: Free entry, easily start your exploration. Tour Route Enter from the northwest gate and explore Nanping Ancient Village: Xiyuan Bridge > Ye Family Ancestral Hall > Shangsu Hall > Shansi Hall > Ju Dou Pharmacy > Step by Step Alley > Carved Hall > Fortune Alley > Sanyuan Well > Hengde Hall > Wansong Pavilion > Small Western-style Building > Bingling Pavilion > Cheng Family Ancestral Hall > Li Family Ancestral Hall > Parking Lot. This route is a loop, but the village has many alleys, and even with signs, it's easy to get lost. So, stick to the loop and remember your way back when exploring the alleys. Recommended Attractions - Ye Family Ancestral Hall: Also known as Xuzhi Hall, built during the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty. 80% of "Ju Dou" was filmed here, and it retains its original appearance. Standing inside, you can almost visualize scenes from the film. - Ye Family Branch Ancestral Hall: Also known as Kuiguang Hall, it's the interior filming location for the security escort agency in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." The ancient architectural style evokes the boldness and vicissitudes of the martial arts world. - Muxian Hall: Once a place for scholars to teach, with a portrait of Confucius inside. The courtyard layout resembles a Suzhou garden, complete with pavilions, corridors, and "beauty railings," exuding a scholarly atmosphere. - Bingling Pavilion: Built in the mid-Qing Dynasty, it consists of a main hall, side hall, and corridor. The overall layout is similar to a northern courtyard house, showcasing a blend of north-south architectural styles. - Xiaosi Building (Small Western-style Building): A blend of Chinese and Western architecture from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. The rooftop offers the best view of the entire village. - Step by Step Alley: The longest and most layered of the 72 alleys, it ends with 23 steps, each higher than the last, symbolizing rising step by step. Walking here, you can almost feel this auspicious meaning. - Shansi Hall: This house faces east, with two entrances and three-bay corridors. The interior is a typical Hui-style residential setting. The large, gold "Shansi Hall" calligraphy on the black lacquer plaque above is powerful and highlights the historical depth of this ancient house. Visit Nanping, experience its tranquility and antiquity, explore the stories hidden in the depths of time, and embark on a unique ancient village journey.