Yuyuan Tai Chi Star Village, situated approximately 20 kilometers from Wuyi County, is the ancestral home of the Yu family. Historically, the region suffered from calamities such as floods and droughts. During the Ming Dynasty, Liu Bowen, a renowned architect, restructured the village layout inspired by celestial constellations, creating structures like the Big Dipper-shaped Qi Xing Pond and Qi Xing Well. Remarkably, these changes resulted in the cessation of such disasters. Today, Yuyuan retains its original, rustic charm, largely unspoiled by tourism, and is frequently visited by art students from fine arts academies. The village boasts exquisite carvings in the Sheng Yuan Hall, the Yu Family Ancestral Hall, and some old residential buildings, making it a must-visit destination. Its compact size is ideal for exploration on foot.
Upon arrival at the scenic area, one first traverses an ancient forest, home to many trees over six hundred years old. Adjacent to the forest, an S-shaped stream meanders gently. From an elevated viewpoint, the open space and the rice fields across form an expansive Tai Chi diagram, with the ‘fish eyes’ represented by a sunken circular pit and a towering round grove of trees. The Bowen Thatched Cottage at the village’s entrance commemorates Liu Bowen, with an exhibition inside that showcases his life, handwriting, and statues. As you progress into the village, passing through the Xuanwu Gate signifies the true beginning of your journey. En route, you’ll encounter a sunflower garden, which is particularly picturesque when the flowers are in full bloom.Embarking on a journey through Yuyuan Village, your first destination is the Yu Family Ancestral Hall. This historic site is adorned with exquisitely carved stages and an array of plaques, predominantly showcasing the Yu family’s ancestral teachings. Within the hall, you’ll find a large-scale model of Yuyuan Village, offering a comprehensive overview of the village’s layout.
Adjacent to the Yu Family Ancestral Hall lies the Li Family Ancestral Hall. Smaller in scale and transformed into a folk artifacts exhibition, it’s a place where visitors can leisurely explore and appreciate the cultural artifacts on display.
Venturing further, cross the bridge that spans the stream and take a right turn to discover the Sheng Yuan Hall. This ancient residence is not only expansive but also boasts exceptional carvings. The three main beams in the hall are intricately adorned with animals representing those that soar in the sky, roam the earth, and swim in water, each carving appearing remarkably lifelike. Among these, the ‘Hundred Fish Beam’ stands out as a marvel—featuring nine carps that, according to legend, change color with the seasons, a spectacle that visitors may not witness but can certainly admire the artistry behind.
On the outskirts of the village, the Dongzhu Temple stands as a testament to over 700 years of history. Beside an ancient camphor tree, you’ll find a stele from the Daoguang period, believed to be effective for prayers. Should you be approached with offers to burn incense and make donations, feel free to politely decline if it’s not your intention.
While some newly constructed houses have added a sense of clutter to the village, the eastern part of Yuyuan Village remains a treasure trove of characteristic dwellings. These houses, with their intricate carvings and distinctive appearances, are perfect for capturing memorable photographs.Wandering around the village is a worthwhile endeavor. Notably, Shang Wanchun Hall and Jing Shen Building stand out for their exquisite wood and brick carvings. Yu Hou Hall, a large-scale building with 108 rooms, is another highlight, featuring rare wood carvings and impressive dragon and phoenix beams.
For a panoramic view of the entire village, cross the stream on the west side and climb the stone steps. From this vantage point, you can also take in the full view of the rice field Tai Chi diagram.
The farmhouses in the village, which offer food and accommodation, are relatively simple, and tourists generally opt not to stay or dine here.
Within a few kilometers of the village, you’ll find well-known Danxia landscapes such as Qingfeng Stockade and Liu Xiu Ridge in Wuyi, which can be conveniently included in your itinerary.
Summer visitors will especially enjoy the Jiulong Valley rafting, located opposite the village, and it is highly recommended to include this in their trip.
The village is open all year round from 08:30 to 17:00. Please note that the information provided is for reference only, and specific details should be verified with the scenic spot on the day of your visit.
For service facilities, there is a parking lot available at Yuyuan Tai Chi Star Village Parking Lot, with a reference price of ¥10 per time. It is located 20 kilometers south of Wuyi County in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, and offers 100 spaces.
Lastly, guided tours within the scenic area cost 30 yuan per session and cover all attractions, taking approximately 1 hour.Sure, here’s the content reformatted for readability:
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