Live Your Best Lives
Daimei Ancient Village is a prime example of the "Southern Fujian Red Brick Architecture Complex." It lies along the Nanxi River in Jiulong River, two kilometers from the Zhangzhou Port exit of the Shenhai Expressway. Surrounded by Jilong Mountain, Damao Mountain, and Eshan Mountain, it is home to members of the Chen clan, who share a common lineage with their Taiwanese counterparts. A Taiwanese ancestral tomb still remains, attracting Taiwanese compatriots annually to trace their roots and pay homage to their ancestors.
The village is surrounded by water and dotted with ancient banyan trees. One ancient banyan tree, over 300 years old, still stands lush and green. During floods, it became known as the "life-saving tree" to villagers, as it "bridges north and south."
This small village, with just over 200 households and a population of over 900, boasts a truly remarkable collection of ancient houses, remarkably well-preserved despite over 560 years of weathering and erosion. Uniform in size and style, these Ming and Qing dynasty houses each feature a curved, gabled roof, red tiled roofs, and stone walls. Adhering to ancestral precepts prohibiting alteration of architectural layouts, the village's entire structure, size, orientation, height, and building materials are uniformly planned and designed by the clan. The old and new houses are clearly distinguished and arranged in perfect order, with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines aligned. The remaining well-preserved buildings are the 36 old houses, built in four rows and three columns, all facing south. Newer buildings from the 1960s and 1970s all face north.
In front of each ancient house, a courtyard over ten meters wide remains, perfect for enjoying tea in leisure time or drying grain during busy farming seasons. The exterior, imitating Song Dynasty architecture, features a brick and wood structure with a gable roof. The houses seamlessly connect from front to back, creating a labyrinthine atmosphere. Side doors face each other, separated by only a meter or so. When all the side doors are opened, a convenient passage is formed from one end of the village to the other.
Longhai City has a subtropical monsoon climate, with less extreme heat in summer and less severe cold in winter, and the natural landscape is evergreen all year round.
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Daimei Ancient Village is a historic settlement in Zhangzhou, Fujian, preserving centuries-old Fujianese architecture, clan culture, and traditional village life. It reflects the cultural and social history of the region.
Located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. Visitors can reach the village by taxi or private car from Zhangzhou city. Local buses are available, but walking through the village is the main way to explore it.
The village is open year-round. The best times to visit are spring and autumn for pleasant weather and colorful scenery.
Entrance fees are minimal and can usually be paid on-site. Online booking is generally not required but may be available through local tourism websites.
Advance booking is not usually necessary except for group tours or during peak festivals. A few days’ notice is sufficient for organized visits.
2–4 hours are generally enough to walk through the village, visit main historical buildings, and enjoy the surroundings.
Guided tours in Chinese may be available. Audio guides are limited; hiring a local guide is recommended for historical context.
Night visits are generally not offered. Special cultural tours may be arranged during local festivals.
The village is moderately visited. Weekdays and non-holiday periods are the least crowded.
Basic facilities such as toilets and small eateries or tea shops are available near the entrance. Carry water for walking around the alleys.
Some narrow or uneven streets may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can explore safely under supervision.
Cash is recommended for small purchases; mobile payments may be accepted at larger shops or eateries.
Local restaurants and small cafes near the village serve Fujianese cuisine and snacks.
Vegetarian options are usually available; halal options are limited.
Guesthouses and small hotels are available in Zhangzhou city or nearby towns, ranging from budget to mid-range.
Souvenirs include local crafts, traditional decorations, and small cultural artifacts.
Taxi or private car is recommended to continue exploring nearby attractions or return to Zhangzhou city. Public buses are limited.
