Gualing Village, located in Xintang Town, Zengcheng, is a Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural settlement built on water, dating back over 500 years to the early Ming Dynasty. Surrounded by water bodies, villagers would row small boats through the interlaced waterways for farming. The construction of Andong Bridge in 1985 marked the end of the era of ‘ferry crossing’ for farming. The moat that once encircled the village now remains only as a river channel about 20 meters wide on the eastern side of the village. Upon entering Gualing Village, one passes through modern Western-style buildings to reveal orderly rows of blue bricks and tiles, and weathered limestone pavements. Eleven limestone lanes neatly ‘cut’ over 200 ancient residences into a chessboard pattern. Over 20 meters tall, the ‘four-cornered’ watchtowers stand tall, embellishing the village. This small village, covering less than 100 acres, boasts eight ancestral halls. From a bird’s-eye view, the village is surrounded by vast fruit orchards and rice fields, with clear streams flowing, presenting a tranquil rural scenery. However, many abandoned houses have collapsed, and most of the remaining ones have been renovated, blending ancient blue bricks and tiles with modern red bricks and mud walls. Open all year round, accessible 24/7, with specific business hours subject to daily opening conditions.
Gualing Village: A Ming-Qing Architectural Gem on Water
Gualing Village, located in Xintang Town, Zengcheng, is a Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural settle[...]
