Yangjiatang Village: A Legacy of Farming and Scholarship, Embraced by a Jade Belt

I. Historical Origins 1. Origins and Migration - In 1655 (during the Qing Dynasty's Shunzhi era), Song Xiankun, the 11th-generation descendant of Song Lian (a founding scholar-official of the Ming Dynasty), migrated from Chenghui Village to this site. Upon seeing the "dense forests and rugged mountains," he deemed it a geomantic treasure and settled here, clearing trees to build homes. - Village Name: Initially named "Zhangjiaotang" (after three intertwined camphor trees), it was later renamed "Yangjiatang," symbolizing the protection of the legendary Yang Family Generals. 2. Rise and Decline of the Clan - Early villagers survived by selling firewood and hunting, living in hardship. The fourth-generation descendant Song Hongtang gained prominence after returning lost gold to a wealthy merchant, who then mentored him in business. Song later became a timber magnate, leading the clan to construct the existing ancient architecture. - Late Qing to Republic of China Era: The clan formed construction teams to build walls elsewhere, accumulating wealth and solidifying the village's clan-based structure. II. Architectural Layout: A Terraced "Golden Potala Palace" 1. Spatial Structure - Tiered Along the Mountain: Over 20 earthen houses from the Qianlong to Daoguang eras (Qing Dynasty) extend step-like along the hillside, with 2-3-meter elevation drops, spanning 200 meters. The amber glow of sunlit yellow mud walls creates a "Golden Potala Palace" effect from afar. - Geomantic Design: Facing west with five encircling mountains (e.g., Duimian Mountain, Pingfeng Mountain) and a jade belt-like stream, forming a "Five Dragons Chasing a Pearl·Jade Belt Embracing the Village" layout. 2. Architectural Features - Simple and Practical: Minimal ornamentation, featuring horse-head walls and gray-tiled roofs. Walls are rammed earth mixed with porcelain shards for durability. - Wall Culture: Courtyard walls are inscribed with family mottos, such as *Zhu Xi's Family Maxims*, *Classic of Filial Piety*, and *Song Clan Precepts*. Over 20 survive, including the clear inscription at House No. 4: "Every grain of rice reminds us of hardship endured." - Clan Ancestral Hall: The Song Clan Hall (built 1752, renovated 1924) is a mud-wood quadrangle with carved pine-and-figure beams, symbolizing unity. III. Cultural DNA: Family Precepts and Nature Worship 1. Farming and Scholarship Legacy - Living Precepts: The Song Clan's "Ten Family Rules" (e.g., prioritizing filial piety, valuing diligence) are etched into daily life. Over 30 imperial scholars emerged, and the village founded Dide Primary School in 1901 (the county's earliest), producing 27 teachers. - Medical Heritage: The Song Dehuan family practiced medicine for 120 years since the Daoguang era; modern descendant Song Changcun is a parasitology authority. 2. Camphor Tree Worship - "Couple Trees": Two 300-year-old camphor trees at the village entrance, revered as "Couple Trees," receive monthly offerings on the 15th lunar day. Villagers bow to them first on New Year's Eve. - Tree as Foster Mother: Infants with conflicting birth signs adopt a camphor tree as a "mother" to neutralize ill fate, blending nature worship with humanistic care. IV. Travel Guide (2025 Update) 1. Must-Experience Moments - 🌅 *Morning Mist at Couple Trees*: Arrive by 7 AM to photograph farmers leading oxen through the ancient trees (prime photo spot). - ☀️ *Golden Afternoon Vista*: Capture the "Potala Palace" glow from the slope opposite the school. - ☁️ *Post-Rain Sea of Clouds*: Dawn at the viewing platform reveals clouds cascading over the village. 2. Suggested Route Couple Trees → Viewing Platform 2 (near Xiaoyin Homestay) → Nanshe Coffee → Viewing Platform 3 → Song Clan Hall → Terraced Tea Fields (1-3 hours; wear non-slip shoes for stone paths.) 3. Food & Logistics - 🍴 *Eats*: Village entrance specialties include dried vegetable meat pies (¥5), free-range chicken soup, and tea-smoked ham. - 🚗 *Transport*: - *Drive*: Navigate to "Yangjiatang Village," 10 km from Songyang County—final 2 km are narrow (caution for beginners). - *Bus*: High-speed rail to Lishui → Dong Station bus to Songyang → Bus 12 to Tongxi Village, then 20-min walk. - 🏠 *Stay*: Renovated homestays (e.g., Xiaoyin) or return to Songyang. V. Preservation and Revival - *Restoration*: Since 2014, provincial projects repaired 8 houses, integrating artist studios (e.g., Fudan University’s Zhang Ming) while preserving authenticity. - *Cultural Revival*: The ancestral hall now hosts integrity education; the old school houses "Nanshe Songyang Gallery" for local crafts, balancing tourism and heritage. *Tips*: Bring mosquito repellent; respect closed buildings and residents' privacy. Yangjiatang Village is more than a museum of Qing-era homes—it’s a living testament to the "farming and scholarship" ethos, where golden terraces, Confucian wall mottos, and ancient tree rituals harmonize humanity with nature. A hidden gem of Jiangnan.