Tuoquan Village: Traces of Time Among the Beautiful Landscapes

Tuoquan Village: Traces of Time Amongst Stunning Landscapes

In Qi County, Hebi, in northern Henan Province, lies a tranquil and quaint village called Tuoquan Village. Like a pearl hidden deep in the mountains, it exudes a unique charm, and its name is imbued with the interweaving of nature and history.

Tuoquan Village is located in Huangdong Township, Qi County, 35 kilometers southeast of Qi County. Tucked away deep within the rolling Taihang Mountains, it is a natural village under the jurisdiction of Dongzhang Village. Surrounded by mountains and crisscrossing ravines, its unique topography and landforms create an ecological landscape distinct from the outside world, resembling a paradise.

Tuoquan Village's name is closely tied to its unique natural landscape. To the west of the village stands a mountain, its contours flowing. From a distance, it resembles a camel resting on the ground, its hump and body perfectly lifelike, as if it will rise at any moment and carry the stories of the past on its way. Within the village, a clear stream gurgles, bringing not only a vibrant atmosphere to the village but also nourishing all life on the land. Following the winding riverbed, at its bottom, a spring emerges, never drying up year-round. The spring, gushing from deep underground, brings a subtle coolness, its waters clear and sweet. Regardless of winter or summer, its flow remains steady, continuously replenishing the stream. This clear spring, like the eye of the earth, silently watches over the village's transformation. The mountain resembles a camel, its spring constantly flowing, hence the name "Tuoquan." It cleverly integrates the local natural landscape, creating a vivid and unforgettable scene.

Tuoquan Village has a long history, and its development is clearly traceable, as recorded in the Wang Family Genealogy. During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, a large-scale population migration occurred, and a branch of the Wang family set out from Hongdong County, Shanxi Province, and traveled through time, settling in Dongyao Town, Linzhou. Time passed slowly, and during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, this branch of the Wang family embarked on another journey, pursuing their longing for a better life and settling in this land nestled between mountains and rivers. From then on, they cultivated land, built houses, and raised children, beginning a new chapter in their lives. After more than 300 years of development, the Wang family branched out in Tuoquan Village, gradually growing into its present-day sprawl.

Throughout its long history, Tuoquan Village has experienced its share of ups and downs. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the Wang family reached its peak, owning 18 mu of land and expanding its sphere of influence. Surrounding villages such as Qianzui, Nangou, and Fangmachang also became part of the Wang family's holdings. The Wang family actively expanded its business empire, investing in coal mines, pawnshops, and horse trading, achieving immense prosperity. However, fate is always full of uncertainties. A sudden flooding accident in the coal mine dealt a heavy blow to the family business. Subsequently, the pawnshop and horse trading businesses also went bankrupt, and the Wang family's wealth dwindled rapidly. From then on, the family's fortunes never recovered and gradually fell into decline. This story of the family's rise and fall has become part of Tuoquan Village's history, passed down from generation to generation, carrying the memories of the ancestors' struggle and hard work.

Today, when you walk into Tuoquan Village, you can still see traces of its ancient past. The village still retains several exquisite bluestone courtyards, scattered at the foot of the mountain. Most of these buildings date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The courtyards are neatly laid out, with deep courtyards. Though weathered by wind and rain, the carved beams and painted rafters still convey a sense of the sophistication and prosperity of the past. The mottled walls and quaint doors and windows seem to silently tell stories of the past. Every brick, stone, and piece of wood embodies the wisdom and hard work of our ancestors, standing as a precious testament to Tuoquan Village's history and culture.

Tuoquan Village, named after its mountains and rivers, carries the gifts of nature and the weight of history as it has accumulated over the years. In the tide of development of the times, it has always maintained its unique charm, quietly waiting for more people to discover its beauty and listen to its stories.

Post by 洪流润溪 | Aug 24, 2025