Cuandixia (Chinese: 爨底下村), also spelled Chuandixia (Chinese: 川底下村), is a historic village dating from the Ming dynasty located in Zhaitang (斋堂镇), Mentougou District in Beijing, China.[1][2] It is a popular tourist attraction known for its well preserved courtyard homes.[3]

Overview

Cuan (爨) means "cooking-stove" in Chinese. In the year 1958, it was simplified as Chuan (in Chinese: 川). The reason why this hamlet has this name is that the host^[who?] would like to be away from chill.^{[citation needed]} It is famous because it has a history of 400 years during the Ming Dynasty. At that time, Cuandixia's settlers migrated from Shanxi, a province west of Beijing. It is a stronghold on the way from Beijing to Shanxi.

The family name of all of the villagers living here is Han (韩/韓), which means that they share the same ancestor.^{[citation needed]} Hundreds of years old, the houses here still maintain the style of Ming and Qing Dynasty. Therefore, it is an attractive historical site, where thousands of people come here from its surrounding cities.^{[citation needed]} There are 500 houses left. Stone carving, brick carving, calligraphy, and painting are everywhere. Common figures used are bats, pied magpies, Peonies, waterlilies, etc. Each of them has its typical meaning.

The site is a National Village Architecture Reserve.[4]

Location

Cuandixia is located on ancient post road roughly 90 km northwest from central Beijing in the Jingxi mountain region.[5] The village is served by National Road 109 and can be reached via bus number 929 which departs from Pingguoyuan subway station. Travel from central Beijing takes about three hours by car.

History

Cuandixia was founded during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) by members of the Han clan who moved from Shanxi Province.[5][6] Towards the end of the Qing Dynasty, Cuandixia prospered from trading in coal, fur, and grain.[6]

Attractions

Cuandixia is home to 500 well preserved courtyard homes dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties.^{[citation needed]} Many of these homes have been converted into inns offering food and lodging to travelers. Stone paved lanes and steep staircases help define Cuandixia's architectural identity.^{[citation needed]} The village is a frequent subject of photographers and painters. The surrounding area is full of mountains and trails for hikers.^{[citation needed]}

References

External links

• Official entry in Mentougou Governmental website
• "The History Culture Village China Cuandixia"

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