In the early days of Qiantong Village’s establishment, the ancestors embraced the Confucian philosophy of ‘unity of heaven and man.’ This philosophy guided them in their comprehensive consideration and rational planning of the village’s architecture. They believed that buildings should harmoniously blend with the surrounding natural environment, advocating for an organic integration of the village’s form and function.
The focus was not merely on constructing good houses and roads but also on digging wells and canals. The village’s layout adhered to the principles of Yin and Yang, Bagua, and the 64 hexagrams. Each line of the Bagua symbolized a group of buildings within the village. The base of the Bagua corresponded to the streets and canals that ran alongside them.
Cobblestone paths and clear water channels meandered into a network, creating a water system layout that was rare in other villages. This attention to detail and adherence to ancient principles resulted in a village that not only functioned well but also resonated with the natural world in a unique and harmonious way.
