Cuandixia

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]

Cuandixia / Chuandixia

爨底下村 / 川底下村
Village
CountryPeople's Republic of China
Direct-controlled municipalitiyBeijing
DistrictMentougou District
TownZhaitang (斋堂镇)
Cuandixia Village.

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 would like to be away from chill. It is famous because it has a history of 400 years during the Ming Dynasty. At that time, Cuandixia's settlers migrated from Shan Xi, a province west of Beijing. It is a stronghold on the way from Beijing to Shan Xi.

The family name of all of the villagers living here is Han (韩/韓), which means that they share the same ancestor. 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. 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. Many of these homes have been converted into inns offering food and lodging to travelers. Stone paved lanes and steep staircases help define Chuandixia's architectural identity. The village is a frequent subject of photographers and painters. The surrounding area is full of mountains and trails for hikers.

References
  1. 2016年统计用区划代码和城乡划分代码：斋堂镇 [2016 Statistical Area Numbers and Rural-Urban Area Numbers: Zhaitang Town] (in Chinese). National Bureau of Statistics of the People's Republic of China. 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2018. 110109106209 220 川底下村委会
  2. 斋堂镇 [Zhaitang Town]. 行政区划网站 www.xzqh.org (in Chinese). 行政区划网站/区划地名网站 (Administrative Divisions Web/District Geographic Names Web). 15 March 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2018. 【2011年代码及城乡分类】110109106：{...}～209 220川底下村{...}
  3. "Cuandixia Village". TripAdvisor. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  4. "Cuandixia Village Day Trip". Visit Beijing. Retrieved 30 October 2014. External link in |publisher= (help)
  5. "Chuandixia Village, Beijing Attraction, Visit Our China". Archived from the original on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2010-11-06.
  6. The Ancient Village Chuandixia in Beijing


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