Xucun Ancient Town (许村古镇) is located on the southern foothills of Ruo Ling Pass in Huangshan, surrounded by mountains on all sides. To the east is Wenfeng Mountain, to the west is Wuxiu Mountain, to the south is Tianma Mountain, and to the north is the Four Mountains. The convergence of the two streams, Fang and Sheng, creates a unique “upside-down gourd” shape in the village. The entire settlement is built along these two streams, and it has been celebrated for its beautiful waterway, known as “Xucun’s ten miles of water,” for centuries.
The cultural heritage of Xucun has flourished for over a thousand years. Its development is closely tied to the prosperous history of Huizhou merchants and its strategic location along the Hui-Qing ancient road. Xucun served as a crucial transportation hub for both land and water. During the Ming Dynasty, goods from the north could be transported south via waterways directly to Tanjia Bridge in the northern part of Ruo Ling. From Xucun, ships could easily access the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.
Xucun Ancient Town not only showcases beautiful scenery but also offers a rich historical and cultural experience that reflects the legacy of Huizhou’s commerce and trade.
Travel Information about Xucun Ancient Town
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 35 yuan
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location and Transportation
Location: Xucun Town, Kuang County, Huangshan City.
Transportation: Xucun is approximately 20 kilometers from Kuang County. Visitors can drive to the town, where road signs will guide you to the scenic area. There are also minibus services from the county town to Xucun. Alternatively, you can take a minibus from Yi County Bus Station to reach the town.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Xucun Ancient Town
Gaoyang Bridge (Lihe Bridge)
Gaoyang Bridge, also known as Lihe Bridge, was built by the Yuan Dynasty scholar Xu Youshan. Originally a wooden bridge supported by double stone piers, it was transformed into a stone arch bridge during the Ming Dynasty and has undergone several renovations since.
The river flowing beneath the bridge is called Fang Creek. Gaoyang Bridge features a covered walkway adorned with lanterns and includes a Buddhist seat dedicated to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of compassion. On the right side of the bridge, visitors can find the remnants of an ancient dock.
From a distance, Gaoyang Bridge resembles a pagoda with its zigzagging ridge line and staggered gables. The two stone arches reflected in the water appear like two bright moons. The bridge’s walkway consists of seven sections, designed in the shape of an official hat from the Song Dynasty. There are circular and square archways on either side, symbolizing dual beauty, with the heavens round and the earth square.
The walls and ceiling of the covered walkway are painted with images of soaring dragons and phoenixes, while eight pillars and six benches on both the northern and southern sides symbolize prosperity and good fortune. In the center on the southern side, a Buddhist seat is placed for the worship of Guanyin.
Daguan Pavilion
Daguan Pavilion is located next to Gaoyang Bridge and was built with funds donated by Xu Zhengyan, Xu Mengsun, and other members of the Xu clan’s eastern branch. The pavilion was originally constructed in the 18th year of the Jiajing era (1539) during the Ming Dynasty and underwent renovations in the 12th year of the Kangxi era (1673) during the Qing Dynasty.
Historically, Xu Village has placed great emphasis on education and scholarship, producing many literati over the years. Daguan Pavilion served as a gathering place for these scholars, where numerous literary works about Xu Village were inscribed on several steles affixed to one side of the pavilion. Unfortunately, most of these inscriptions have been destroyed, leaving only a few remnants of the stele bases today.
The pavilion is situated between two streams, Sheng Creek to the west and Fang Creek to the east, where the streams converge to the south of the pavilion, leading locals to affectionately refer to it as “Two Dragons Playing with Pearls.”
Constructed in a three-tiered brick and wood structure, the pavilion was originally an octagonal pavilion with two surrounding columns and an overhanging roof. It has since evolved into a grand pavilion characterized by the traditional Ming and Qing dynasty architectural styles, featuring eight upturned eaves on both the first and second tiers, which is why it is also known as the “Octagonal Pavilion.”
Wuma Archway
Wuma Archway is located to the left of Daguan Pavilion and was constructed in the second year of the Zhengde era (1507) to honor Xu Bosheng, the governor of Tingzhou in Fujian Province. The name “Wuma” refers to the ancient title of “Five Horses,” which was often given to officials like governors or prefects.
The archway features intricate carvings from the early Ming Dynasty, including a distinctive pattern known as “Pujishi Beast,” making it a valuable specimen for the study of classical Ming architecture.
The small square surrounding Wuma Archway beautifully integrates the corridor bridge, the archway itself, and Daguan Pavilion, creating a harmonious garden-like setting. This area is not only rich in historical significance but also offers great aesthetic appeal, making it a popular spot for visitors to appreciate the blend of architecture and nature.
Who is Xu Bosheng:
Xu Bosheng, a prominent figure from a well-to-do family, was known for his substantial wealth and extensive farmland. He earned the affectionate title “Kaolao” (meaning “Old Father”) due to his frequent acts of charity. In the 25th year of the Yuan Shun Emperor’s reign (1537), Xu Bosheng and his four brothers sold their family assets to join Zhu Yuanzhang (the future Emperor Hongwu) in his military campaigns.
In the fifth year of the Hongwu era (1374), Xu Bosheng served as the governor (a fifth-rank official) in Tingzhou, Fujian. During his tenure, he was noted for his integrity and dedication to public service. He successfully repelled Japanese pirates and eliminated local bandits in the Dabeishan area.
As a mark of his accomplishments, the emperor ordered the construction of 99 archways along the route from his jurisdiction to Xucun Village. Today, only two or three of these archways remain, with Wuma Archway being one of them.
Sanchao Dianhan Archway
The Sanchao Dianhan Archway was established in honor of Wang Bojue, a notable official during the Ming Dynasty, and his son Wang Dezhuang. The archway’s construction began in the 14th year of the Chongzhen reign (1641). Wang Bojue served as a Zhongshu She Ren, a position often referred to as “Dianhan,” which means “secretary official.” His son, Wang Dezhuang, also received this title posthumously, earning him the distinction of being one of the youngest Hanlin scholars in Chinese history.
Built from stone granite, the Sanchao Dianhan Archway features a tall, majestic design with four pillars and three tiers. The well-preserved, polished beams and columns reflect the architectural elegance of the era.
The Origin of the Youngest Hanlin Schollar:
Wang Bojue was a descendant of Wang Lun, the fifth-generation descendant of the Duke of Tangyu (known from Li Bai’s poem “To Wang Lun”). He married Hu, a woman of extraordinary beauty, known as Xiang Gu for her enchanting fragrance. Xiang Gu’s legendary beauty even caught the attention of Emperor Chongzhen, who ordered that she be summoned to the capital to become a consort.
To avoid potential family disaster, Wang Bojue reluctantly sent her to the capital, referring to her as his sister. As a result, he was granted a fifth-rank official title. Later, he married another woman, Wu.
In the tenth year of Chongzhen’s reign, when Xiang Gu fell gravely ill, she urgently summoned Wang and Wu to the capital. Wu, who was pregnant at the time, gave birth to a son during the journey. Three days later, Xiang Gu asked the emperor to name her nephew. Due to the societal norms of the late Ming period, the emperor assigned him the name “Dezhang” as a mark of respect. Following this, Xiang Gu persuaded the emperor to decree the construction of the Sanzhao Dianhan Archway to honor Wang Bojue and his family.
Festivals and Activities
“Nao Yuanxiao” Temple Fair: Xucun Ancient Town is rich in culture and history, with dozens of temples throughout the village. It is often said, “Where there are temples, there are fairs.” Each year, various temple fairs are held, mainly to pray for divine blessings and protection from evil spirits. The largest and most grandiose of these events is the “Nao Yuanxiao” (Lantern Festival) celebration.
During the festivities, firecrackers are set off, gongs and drums are played, and trumpets are sounded to create a lively atmosphere. Following this, a procession featuring dragons, swords, lions, and flower lanterns parades through the streets, stretching up to 1,000 meters long. The display is spectacular, with the dragon-like floats soaring and twisting through the air, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The community wishes for favorable weather, safety for traveling merchants, and thriving businesses in the year to come.
Sword Dance: Another famous folk activity in Xucun is the “Shua Dadao” (Big Sword Dance), which has developed from traditional lantern arts. Held every January, this performance combines elements of might, grandeur, magic, and excitement, making it one of the highlights of Chinese lantern artistry. The sword dancers showcase impressive skills, captivating the audience and adding to the festive spirit of the Lantern Festival.