Summer Night Tour in Huangling: Admiring the Horizontal Plaque

Huangling itself is like a "mortal world inn" suspended on a cliff. Its black-tiled walls form the roof ridge, and winding stone steps serve as its corridors. As the last glow of sunset fades, the intangible cultural heritage dragon lantern dances like a golden serpent, leaping and twirling in the ancestral hall square amid roaring drums and gongs, igniting the first flame of passion for this bustling inn. Holding a bamboo-woven lantern, you become the most carefree wanderer in this nightscape painting of the ancient street. 1. Route: Entering through the mountain gate of Huangling Ancient Village, "Tiankai Huangling," the first sight is a village path paved with stone slabs. Ancient trees tower on both sides, their lush branches casting verdant shadows. Gazing to the right valley, endless terraced fields stretch across the hillside. 2. Cao Clan Ancestral Hall & Folk Culture Exhibition Hall: Originally built during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing era, the current hall was reconstructed on its foundation. It features a central-axis hip-and-gable structure with three courtyards and five bays. The first courtyard is called the Ceremonial Gate, the second the Hall of Worship, and the third the Resting Chamber. The 8th photo shows a horizontal plaque in the main hall inscribed with "Golden Hall Chuanlu," beneath which hangs a dual portrait. In 1760 (25th year of Qing Emperor Qianlong's reign), Huangling scholar Cao Wenzhi ranked first in the second-tier imperial examination, earning the title "Golden Hall Chuanlu." He later rose to become Minister of Revenue, a top-ranking official. His son, Cao Zhenyong, became a scholar at 27 in 1781 (46th year of Qianlong's reign), a true standout. Serving three emperors—Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Daoguang—for 52 years, he was promoted to Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, Grand Councilor, and Imperial Tutor. For his achievements in pacifying Kashgar, he was ennobled as Crown Prince's Tutor, then Grand Tutor, with his portrait enshrined in the Ziguang Pavilion as the foremost among meritorious officials. The dual portrait depicts Cao Wenzhi and Cao Zhenyong, the "Father-Son Grand Councilors." 3. Homestay: The most delightful summer night activity is staying in Huangling's elegant lodgings. Pushing open carved wooden windows, the starry sky fills your view, while mountain breezes carry the lingering fragrance of rice from the terraces. All is silent save for distant insect chirps and murmuring streams. Nestled in the Cliffside Retreat, you’ll sleep under moonlight, with stars as lamps, dreaming of childhood, fantasy, and tender nostalgia. 4. Night Tour Route: Ancestral Hall Square (Crane Dance, Intangible Heritage Dragon Lantern) → Tianjie Street → Viewing Platform 3 → Rice Field Adventure (Night Tour Entrance → Butterfly Valley → Glowing Terraces → Jungle Laser Walkway → Moon Phase Time Tunnel → Fireworks Cottage → Butterfly Swing → Heart Pool → Rice Village Entrance → Radiant Rice Fields → Mysterious Cave Exploration) → Enchanted Glowing Forest → Floral Stream Water Street