Chengkan Village（呈坎）Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Chengkan Village Travel Guide for Foreigners
Location and History
- Location: Chengkan Village is located in the Huizhou District, Anhui Province. It is at the southern foot of the Huangshan Mountain (29°55′N, 118°15′E), and is a part of the Ancient Huizhou Cultural Tourism Area, a national 5A-level tourist scenic spot1.
- History: Chengkan was originally named Longxi. It was first built during the Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. In the late Tang Dynasty, Luo Wenchang from Nanchang, Jiangxi, and his cousin Luo Qiuyin migrated here and renamed it Chenkan from the perspective of the "Book of Changes" on feng shui. It reached its peak of development in the Song, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties, especially in the Ming Dynasty.
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Main Attractions
- Ancient Architecture Complex: Chengkan is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The layout of the village is in accordance with the principles of feng shui and the Eight Diagrams, showing a unique style. The houses are typically white-washed walls and black-tiled roofs, with exquisite carvings on the doors, windows, and walls1.
- Luo Dongshu Ancestral Hall: It is a magnificent ancestral hall and a masterpiece of ancient architecture. The hall has a grand scale, delicate structure, and beautiful carvings, which fully demonstrate the superb craftsmanship of the ancient Huizhou craftsmen.
- Longxing Bridge: Located at the south entrance of the village, this is a large single-arch stone bridge built in the Ming Dynasty. It is like a rainbow spanning across the river, adding a beautiful landscape to the village. North of the bridge is the Dutian Temple, and south of the bridge is the Guanyin Temple2.
- Yongxing Spring: It is one of the most famous attractions in Chengkan. The spring water is clear and sweet, flowing all year round. It was once one of the four famous springs in Huizhou2.
- Scenic Spots within the Village:
- Hills and Mountains: Surrounded by mountains, Chengkan has beautiful natural scenery. For example, Fengshan is a mountain behind the village where the snow does not melt for a long time after snowfall, presenting a magnificent view. Longshan is another scenic mountain where you can overlook the whole village2.
- Lakes and Ponds: There are some natural lakes and ponds in the village, such as the Houhu Lake. In spring, you can see mandarin ducks swimming in the lake, accompanied by blooming azaleas, creating a beautiful and vivid scene2.
Cultural Features
- Feng Shui Culture: The layout of Chengkan Village fully embodies the concept of feng shui. The design of the village is in line with the principles of "embracing the mountains and waters" and "collecting qi", which reflects the ancient people's pursuit of a harmonious living environment.
- Ancestral Culture: Ancestral worship is an important part of the culture in Chengkan. There are many ancestral halls in the village, which are the spiritual sustenance and gathering places for the descendants of the Luo family.
- Traditional Handicrafts: Traditional handicrafts such as woodcarving, brick carving, and stone carving are well-developed in Chengkan. These handicrafts can be seen on the buildings and decorations in the village, showing the high artistic level of the ancient craftsmen.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Chengkan Village all year round. Spring and autumn are relatively more comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. In summer, you can enjoy the coolness brought by the surrounding mountains and waters. Winter has a special charm with the ancient buildings covered in snow (if there is snow).
You can visit Chengkan Village all year round. Spring and autumn are relatively more comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. In summer, you can enjoy the coolness brought by the surrounding mountains and waters. Winter has a special charm with the ancient buildings covered in snow (if there is snow).
Practical Information
- Opening Hours: The village is open all day. The specific opening hours of some individual attractions may vary, so it is advisable to check in advance.
- Ticket Price: The ticket price for entering the village is about [specific price]. Please note that prices may be subject to change.
- Transportation: You can take a bus or a taxi from the nearby cities or towns to reach Chengkan Village. If you are in Huangshan City, it is also convenient to take a tourist shuttle bus.
When visiting Chengkan Village, remember to respect the local culture and traditions, and protect the ancient buildings and cultural relics. Enjoy your journey in this ancient and charming village!