Nanping Village
Located just 4 kilometers west of Yi County in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, Nanping Village is a hidden gem often called the "Museum of Ancient Ancestral Temples of China." With a history spanning over 1,100 years, this remarkably well-preserved village offers an authentic journey into China's feudal past.
Architectural Treasures
Today, Nanping Village contains:
•8 ancient ancestral temples – including the magnificent Kuiguang Temple and Xuzhi Temple
•300+ houses built during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties
•72 interlinked narrow lanes – creating a mysterious, labyrinth-like atmosphere
•36 ancient wells – still producing crystal-clear water
•Ancient trees – towering at the village entrance
•Old stone bridges – quietly spanning the streams
Among the residential buildings, Shensi Hall, Xiaoyanglou, and Baoy Study stand out for their elegant decoration and unique architectural styles.
A Village of Stories and Cinema
Nanping Village has attracted both historical celebrities and modern filmmakers. The renowned calligrapher Yao Nai (1731–1815) left behind treasured stories here.
The village has also served as a backdrop for internationally acclaimed films, including:
•Ju Dou – directed by Zhang Yimou (Academy Award nominee)
•Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – directed by Ang Lee (Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film)
Why Visit Nanping Village?
Travel experts agree that Nanping Village is an essential destination for anyone wishing to:
•Explore the rise and fall of the powerful Huizhou merchants
•Experience the ancient patriarchal clan system through its ancestral temples
•Understand the geomantic design (Feng Shui) of traditional Anhui villages
•Walk through living history – the narrow alleys and ancient wells remain unchanged for centuries
For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience near Huangshan, Nanping Village offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into China's architectural, cultural, and cinematic heritage.
