Dongcun is located in the north of Xishan Island in Suzhou. It leans against green mountains in the south and borders Taihu Lake in the north. It faces Hengshan, Yinshan and Shaoshan islands. Dongcun was built at the end of the Qin Dynasty and the beginning of the Han Dynasty. It is named after Dongyuangong, one of the four hermits of Shangshan. In ancient times, it was called Dongyuancun for short. Existing ancient houses include Fangzhutang, Shensitang, Ruimutang, Renyutang, Yanshengtang, Xueputang, Liugengtang, Shaoyitang, Xiaoyoutang, Rende Tang, Dunhetang, Cuixiutang, Langruntang, Jingxiutang, etc. There are also historical sites such as Qixianxiang Gate, Yong’an Bridge and Dongyuangong Temple. Jingxiutang – the residence where Emperor Qianlong hid his beauty in a golden house. Due to economic and transportation constraints, the ancient village style of Dongcun is better preserved than other places in Xishan. Most of the roads in the village are still in their original state of slate and blue bricks. The ancient houses on both sides are mostly from the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty. Open all year round and all day.
Dongcun Ancient Village
Dongcun is located in the north of Xishan Island in Suzhou. It leans against green mountains in the south and […]
