Beifu Ancient Village in Chenzhou, Hunan

Beifu Village is the hometown of General Deng Hua, a founding general of China. Established during the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu era, this ancient village is a well-preserved, large-scale, and picturesque traditional settlement in southern Hunan. Nestled between the northern foothills of Qitian Ridge and the northwestern slopes of its branch, Longdu Ridge, Beifu Ancient Village lies in a long basin flanked by eastern and western mountain ranges. Four small streams meander through the village, with the eastern one winding around its perimeter. This unique topography creates the village's distinctive landscape: "mountains embracing a valley on both sides, with four waterways encircling the ancient settlement." Key cultural relics and attractions include: - Deng Hua's Former Residence - Deng Family Ancestral Hall - Beifu Academy - Tiantang Temple - Ancient Post Road - Former residences of Deng Liangcai and Deng Shenze The village harmoniously integrates with its natural surroundings, featuring traditional southern Hunan architectural clusters with interconnected streets. Its compact layout blends alleyways, streams, buildings, and springs into a poetic spatial composition. Local stone and brick dominate exterior walls and floors, while interior partitions use affordable yet eco-friendly wooden materials. The architecture showcases: - Wooden beam-and-bracket structures - Exquisitely carved eaves and ridges - Vibrant wood, stone, and brick carvings - Lifelike depictions of landscapes, figures, and flora/fauna This village exemplifies southern Hunan's exceptional craftsmanship in creating livable environments, possessing significant historical and artistic value. It's recognized as one of China's Fourth Batch of Traditional Villages.