The Millennium Ancient Village on the Crater: Chenqiao Village in Zhouning

Zhouning County's Chenqiao Village is hidden among the mountains in the northeast of Fujian. This place is a vent left by an extinct volcano, scattered with strange rocks and precipitous cliffs, known as 'the most precipitous peak under heaven'. A series of plank roads wind through the mountain gorges like coiling dragons. Walking on these plank roads, the majestic grand canyon lies beneath your feet, as if you are wandering in a painting. Chenqiao Village was founded in the second year of the Kaiping era during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period by the Zhang family, who invited the Chen family's son-in-law to prosper and develop into a mountain village of a thousand people with the Chen and Zhang as the two main surnames. It has been over 1,100 years, and most of the earth houses here are southern-style residences with hipped-gable roofs and earthen walls, with a few wall-supported structures. There are no grand mansions or elaborately carved beams and painted rafters here, only a few ancient wells that convey millennia-old messages to the world with their deep gaze. The precipitous peaks stand between the Mandarin Duck Stream and the Love Stream. Climbing to the top and looking down, the two streams encircle like a silver chain hanging on the neck of the precipitous peaks. The fresh air brushes against your face, and as you look into the distance, the layered barriers and rolling hills seem to be at your feet, making all other mountains seem small. The primitive geographical environment has created a summer retreat; the clear water and green trees have built a natural oxygen bar; and the unpolluted natural ecology makes Chenqiao a rare paradise for health and leisure. The area around the village is densely covered with ancient trees and strange rocks, with overlapping peaks and rugged stones that are extremely eye-catching. There is no severe cold in winter or extreme heat in summer here, with an average temperature of only 24°C in the height of summer, making the climate cool and pleasant. Stepping into the village, you are enveloped in greenery, allowing your soul and body to rest in nature. Chenqiao is now a scenic area, currently charging a comprehensive management fee of 30 yuan per person to tourists. Chenqiao Village shares the Mandarin Duck Stream geology with the 5A-rated Mandarin Duck Stream scenic area. It is a scenic spot on the crater and a national-level traditional village, famous for its precipitous peaks and sea of clouds, Buddha's light spectacle, canyon scenery, rare animals and plants, volcanic landforms, and the millennium-old village, earning the reputation of 'Eastern Fujian's Xishuangbanna'. Tips: It is recommended to drive yourself, as the roads from Zhouning county town into the mountains are all village roads with cliffs and precipices, so please drive carefully. You can book a farmhouse in the village in advance, which is economical. When visiting Chenqiao Village, it is recommended to stay for two or three days. In addition to the cool weather, local customs, and scenery, the otherworldly experience will make you linger and forget to return.