After being designed and renovated by a renowned genius, this village, known as the foremost extraordinary village, no longer suffers from floods and droughts, and the emergence of talents is increasingly evident.
This village uses a unique Bagua layout.
In China, many villages are built according to the principles of Yin-Yang and Tai Chi, utilizing the distinctive Bagua layout. These locations often attract numerous visitors due to their mysterious nature and the intricate arrangements that have been passed down through generations.
Among them is an ancient village, over 800 years old, known as the “foremost extraordinary village.” This village, shrouded in “strange” occurrences that remain unresolved to this day, is called Du Nguyên Tai Chi Village, located in Wuyi County, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province.
Upon entering Du Nguyên village, the Yin-Yang and Tai Chi layout is visible everywhere. From a high vantage point, a long, winding S-shaped stream around the mountains serves as the boundary separating the village into two parts of Yin and Yang, creating a massive Tai Chi diagram with a diameter of about 320 meters and an area of approximately 120 acres.
The long, winding S-shaped stream around the mountains serves as the boundary separating the two parts of Yin and Yang in the village.
The Tai Chi diagram is placed at the northern entrance, forming a “qi dam,” which not only blocks cold air from the north but also regulates and prevents the village’s beneficial qi from escaping. This Tai Chi diagram, combined with the 11 surrounding mountains, creates a representation of the 12 zodiac signs. Simultaneously, the 28 ancient building complexes in the village are arranged according to the Bagua, corresponding to the 28 constellations in astrology.
According to 163.com, the use of the Bagua layout in design has helped the ancient Du Nguyên village to avoid natural disasters and floods. Records from the villagers indicate that during the first 200 years after the village’s establishment, the residents frequently faced natural calamities.
The descendants of the Du family believe this is related to the village’s geography. It wasn’t until 1349, after being designed and renovated by Liu Baoen—national hero of the Ming Dynasty and a master of strategic thinking—that the lives of the people began to stabilize. During his examination of the village’s topography, Liu Baoen discovered that the streams in the village flowed too quickly and forcefully. Therefore, he instructed the villagers to renovate and modify the streams, causing them to meander and reduce the flow speed.
Since then, the Du family residents in the village have no longer had to endure natural disasters and floods. Over 600 years have passed, with the weather in the region being favorable and rarely experiencing calamities. Consequently, the residents have focused on business, improving their livelihoods. Moreover, this land has produced numerous talents for the nation, regarded as a rare “land of auspiciousness and exceptional individuals.”
Over 600 years have passed, with the weather in the region being favorable and rarely experiencing calamities.
Historical documents record that during the Ming and Qing dynasties, 293 scholars from the village excelled in imperial examinations. Many of them held significant positions within the high-level governmental framework. Additionally, many descendants of the Du family have become renowned calligraphers, poets, painters, and esteemed scholars.
Throughout its 800 years of history, Du Nguyên Tai Chi Village still retains many scenic spots and historical sites that attract visitors from afar. The village contains 1,072 ancient houses, including ancestral halls, temples, and shops, covering an area of 30,000m².
Thanks to the villagers’ collective efforts to preserve their heritage, many ancient buildings remain intact, showcasing the traditional culture of their long-established family. According to research by experts, Du Nguyên village still conserves around 395 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. With its cultural and spiritual values preserved, Du Nguyên village is dubbed “the number one ancient village in China.”
Today, the village is one of the famous tourist destinations attracting visitors from both domestic and international.
Now, this village is becoming one of the renowned tourist destinations, attracting visitors from both within and outside the country. The peculiar Bagua layout, the ancient houses with unique architecture, and the unsolved mysterious tales are what draws thousands of visitors to this place every year.
