Youtian Village, Songyang, Lishui

Youtian Village is located in Sandu Township, Songyang County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province. It is an ancient village with a history of over 600 years, mainly inhabited by the Ye family. The village was originally named "Youtian" and later changed to "Youtian" due to its location in the mountains and scarce water resources. Youtian Village is the settlement of the descendants of Ye Mengde, the left prime minister and famous Neo-Confucianist of the Southern Song Dynasty.

Youtian Village has a rich historical background and cultural characteristics. The village's buildings are mostly old houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, well-preserved and arranged in a stepped layout. The village has public buildings such as the Ye Ancestral Hall, the She Temple, and the Ye Incense Hall, which not only have historical value but also reflect a deep cultural heritage. In addition, the village's ancient roads, wells, and ponds are well-preserved, attracting many photography and art enthusiasts to visit.

Youtian Village's natural environment is also unique. The village is located in hilly and mountainous areas, with diverse and beautiful surroundings. At the entrance of the village, there is a 450-year-old Masson pine tree, resembling a welcoming pine, which has become a natural symbol of the village. The village's buildings are characterized by yellow mud rammed earth walls and black tiles, arranged in a staggered manner, presenting a primitive beauty.

Youtian Village also has a certain appeal in terms of tourism. Visitors can experience the primitive beauty of the Chinese countryside and feel the simple life of working at sunrise and resting at sunset. The village's ancient appearance and rich historical culture make it an ideal tourist destination.

Post by ANNALEE WAGNER | Dec 31, 2024