What's the secret in the "gourd"? This village in Datong hides a "treasure" that even Qianlong drooled over

Donghulu Village in Datong is located in the eastern part of Yunzhou District, Datong City, Shanxi Province. Nestled by the mountains and water, with simple and honest folk customs, it is a tranquil village rich in local flavor and long-standing agricultural civilization. The village terrain is flat and the soil fertile, historically an important grain-producing area known especially for growing corn, millet, and various grains. In recent years, with the deepening of the rural revitalization strategy, Donghulu Village has gradually explored a new path of ecological livability and thriving industry while preserving its traditional style.

Most buildings in the village are courtyards made of rammed earth, with blue tiles and gray walls exuding a calmness shaped by time. In spring, peach and apricot blossoms compete to bloom, children play along the field ridges, and old farmers lead oxen to plow the fields, creating a vivid pastoral scene; during the autumn harvest, golden corn hangs from the eaves, and grains tumbling on the drying grounds reflect the sunlight, everywhere filled with the joy of harvest. The village also preserves several century-old houses and an ancient well, witnessing the life and growth of generations of villagers.

Relying on local resource advantages, Donghulu Village vigorously develops specialty agriculture and rural tourism. By introducing modern agricultural technology and promoting green planting methods, it has created regional brands like "Donghulu Millet," enhancing the added value of agricultural products. Meanwhile, the village has repaired roads, built a cultural square, added a farmers' bookstore and folk exhibition corner, enriching villagers' spiritual and cultural life and attracting nearby tourists to experience picking fruits, tasting farmhouse meals, and enjoying the slow rural lifestyle.

Today, Donghulu Village retains its rural essence while radiating the vitality of the times. It is like a pearl embedded in the land of northern Shanxi, quietly telling the beautiful story of the fusion of tradition and modernity in a charming countryside.

Post by nathaniel_everettstorm | Oct 25, 2025