Journey to the Hidden Gems of China — Nanxi River

Author: Hu Nianwang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Explore these uniquely distinctive towns, villages, and scenic areas, uncovering the reasons behind their formation, development, and existence. Trace the life essence of your ancestors from centuries ago, immerse yourself in their unique cultural atmosphere, ancient heritage of lifestyles, and profound humanistic heritage. You will gain eternal spiritual enjoyment. Nanxi River is beautiful in its primitive simplicity and natural wild charm; Nanxi River is beautiful in its purity and gentleness, completely pollution-free, and is hailed by experts as "[The World's Best Water]." The clear stream of Nanxi River reflects fish and pebbles, vividly preserved. With its distinctive charm, Nanxi River still preserves Neolithic cultural relics, ancient towers, bridges, pavilions, archways, and battlefields from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It preserves ancient villages built according to the [Seven Stars and Eight Poles] and [Four Treasures of the Study], as well as the [Unity of Heaven and Man] yin-yang Feng Shui concepts. It retains a large number of complete family genealogies and clan histories. These invaluable historical and cultural relics allow us to understand the essence of ancient Chinese farming-reading culture and clan society. Journey to China's Hidden Gems. Nanxi River is a perfect blend of landscape culture and architectural culture, a fusion of farming-reading culture and clan culture, and an infinite harmony between human life and the natural environment. For a long time, Nanxi River has been "hidden away in seclusion, yet unknown to many." However, the original settlers and builders of Nanxi River's ancient villages were mostly descendants of renowned clans from the Central Plains. Due to historical events like the Eastern Migration of the Jin Dynasty and the Southern Migration of the Song Dynasty, they etched their love for nature, environmental awareness, and aesthetic concepts into the green mountains and clear waters of Nanxi River, creating villages with strict planning, harmonious layouts, and simple architectural styles where people, buildings, and the environment coexist in harmony. Farming-reading culture is the backbone of Nanxi River's ancient villages, embodying the traces of centuries of Yongjia culture. In this remote and isolated "paradise," the people of Nanxi lived a semi-farming, semi-studying life, peaceful and tranquil. They cherished their hometown but did not cling to the land, were confident but not arrogant, dared to take risks and knew when to retreat, valued profit but were not stingy with wealth. Yet, they always maintained close ties with the outside world. This book primarily showcases the mysterious rural culture of Nanxi River to readers from various aspects, including geographical environment, historical evolution, the beauty of mountains and rivers, and folk customs.