A nice way to start June is visiting a garden (or two).
At Daling ancient Town are these pillars for hanging the scrolls of those who successfully complete the broad and difficult National Imperial Examination to be deemed a wise person in China. These go back centuries and was an esteemed honor to pass. Not many people actually pass all the tests.
The ancient town is a mix of old and new. Many ancient buildings with new construction interspersed.
It is the only National Village designated to be of cultural and historical characteristics in Guangzhou. It is 800 years old. It features architectural structures of the Lignan style that are unique to South China: ancestral hall made of oyster shells, stone bridges, pagodas, sculptures, wells, academies and typical ancient streets.
The origin of the village dates back to the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279). By the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911), the village was home to one of the scholars who ranked third in the National Imperial Examinations of the Qing Dynasty. Many Imperial government officials were born in this village.
There are ancestral family buildings that have places to honor the family. We looked at many pictures and genealogy family trees that were on display as well as many artifacts and antiques. Many of these places in ancient towns also serve as recreation centers for older people to play mahjong, get exercise, and have community.
This is a dragon boat. It is buried in the mud of the river to protect it from the elements. Every year for Dragon boat day, they dig it up again for the festival and then bury it again until the next year.
The town backs up to the Bodhisattva Mountains and surrounded by the Yudai River on three sides. Along the canals that runs through the village are many ancient stone bridges. This bridge is called Longjing Bridge and is several hundred years old.
A pagoda.
Outside the ancestral hall.
Many ancestral halls have a small open area in the center that allows light into the adjacent areas as their is no electricity originally in these buildings.
This drum is used during the dragon boat festival for everyone to row in unison.
Lotus flower pond. In a couple weeks, all the flowers will be blooming!
I love the architecture of the roof lines and the 3D sculptures that bring nature up front.
This house was specifically for women who were older and never married.
An example of a wall that is made from oyster shells. This helped provide strength and ventilation.
Each home had access to a well. They would use a bucket to gather their water.
This is taro. It is a starchy root that is used in many dishes. Much drier than potatoes and a little starchy. With the right preparation, it is very good!
These are considered protectors of the buildings and can be found painted on many of the doors of the ancestral halls.
We next stopped at a vegetarian restaurant. On one side is a place for tea and making music. This day was also childrens day so they had many activities for children. They were very happy to show us around though not originally part of the tour. It is such a peaceful place to be.
At the restaurant they had a beautiful garden pond that was quite relaxing.
We also visited Yuyinshanfang,which is a landscape garden built over 150 years ago. The owner is a scholar named Wubin, who built it on land given to him after retiring from a very high position in Qing dynasty government. Now back in his hometown his house would afford the opportunity to enjoy a hermit style life and preserve memory of his ancestors. Although it is less than 2000 square meters, there are all kinds of pavilions, bridges, winding trails, flowers and gardens. The various courtyards and paths created breath taking outdoor spaces. The architectural decoration in the gardens were carefully carved by well-known craftsmen, with poems, books and paintings making the whole garden house an amazing place to visit. It would be fabulous to have lived there. The grandson of Wubin later turned it over to the government for others to visit and enjoy.
This is actually the living room where visitors were entertained.
This is a jackfruit tree. It looks like durian though the bumpy skin on jackfruit is much smaller.
This is a giant board of Chinese chess.
This is on the otherside of the property. There are more places to play as well as a separate building for the women. Here would be a room for a girl. Rarely would women be seen in public, generally kept away from the rest of society. They would spend their time sewing, singing, painting, or playing music. Of course they had families early.
We listened to some beautiful music at the end before leaving for home.