Discovering a Hidden Gem in Western Sichuan: A Poetic Retreat in Meishan's Xingfu Ancient Village

—A Journey Through a Millennium of Agrarian Civilization Deep in the mountains of Danleng County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province, lies a forgotten ancient village—Xingfu Ancient Village. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of the city and the glitz of commerce, you'll find only the tranquility of winding cobblestone paths, towering ancient trees, and murmuring streams, along with a thousand-year-old agrarian civilization. As the filming location for the movie *Forgotten Corner of Love*, Xingfu Ancient Village, a "living agrarian museum," attracts countless travelers seeking the intersection of poetry and nostalgia. I. Village Impressions: A Peach Blossom Spring Originally named Zhaoqiao, Xingfu Ancient Village is located 12 km west of Danleng County. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, only an ancient path to the south connects it to the outside world. Built along the mountainside, the earthen walls and grey-tiled houses of Western Sichuan are scattered in an orderly fashion, complementing the terraced fields, streams, and ancient bridges, resembling the idyllic Peach Blossom Spring described by Tao Yuanming: "winding paths connect every household, chickens and dogs can be heard." The village's cobblestone paths are unique, extending from within the village to the outside. Legend has it that the villagers, grateful for the hardships of road construction, paved them "overnight" with the help of a mysterious force. Today, these paths still connect every household, serving as the lifeblood of the villagers and a walkway for tourists. A Spring Visit: If you visit in March, the mountains and fields are covered with blooming peach and plum blossoms. The pink and white sea of flowers intertwines with the emerald green tea gardens, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Villagers pick tea in the terraced fields, tourists take photos under the blossoming trees, and the ancient village seems to awaken with the arrival of spring, brimming with vitality. II. Cultural Code: The Living Legacy of a Thousand-Year-Old Agrarian Civilization The soul of Xingfu Ancient Village lies in its well-preserved agrarian culture. Stepping into any farmhouse, the strings of corn hanging under the eaves, the grains drying in the courtyard, and the plows, harrows, and stone mills piled in the corners all speak to the simplicity of traditional farming life. The village has planned an "Agrarian Culture Park" where visitors can experience plowing, tea picking, and bean grinding, feeling the hard work of "sweat dripping under the grain" and the joy of harvest. The Salt and Iron Ancient Road: Deep within the village, a salt and iron ancient road paved with red sandstone winds through the valley. This thousand-year-old road was once a vital route for mule caravans transporting salt and iron. The indentations left by the porters' "walking sticks" are still visible on the stone steps. Walking along it, you can almost hear the echoes of history—the sound of hooves, shouts, and mountain winds intermingling, telling tales of past prosperity and hardship. Film Memories: In the 1980s, the movie *Forgotten Corner of Love* was filmed here, capturing the village's red stone foundations and brown hillsides as a collective memory for a generation. Today, the village has shed its label of poverty, but the stone tables and benches used as movie props still stand quietly, becoming nostalgic check-in points for tourists. III. A Symphony of Nature and Humanity: Must-See Village Sights 1. The Thousand-Year-Old Couple Trees At the entrance of the village, two centuries-old ginkgo trees are connected by their roots and intertwined branches, resembling a couple who have been together for a thousand years. The canopy provides shade in spring and summer, and turns golden in autumn, attracting countless couples to make wishes and take photos. 2. Zhaoqiao Bridge and the Waterwheel The Zhaoqiao Bridge spanning the stream is a symbol of the ancient village. Legend has it that the Zhao family built the arch bridge with red stones to connect with the outside world. A wooden waterwheel slowly turns beside the bridge, composing a pastoral song with the murmuring stream. 3. Yingzui Cliff Adventure Yingzui Cliff, opposite the village, is a paradise for hikers. From the top, the entire village comes into view: grey-tiled roofs hidden in a sea of green, terraced fields cascading like waves. If you have the energy, try rappelling down the cliff and through the thorny jungle, experiencing the thrill of "reaching the peak." IV. Coexistence of Old and New: The Village's Modern Transformation In recent years, while preserving its traditions, Xingfu Ancient Village has quietly integrated modern cultural tourism elements. The newly added "Moss Science Museum" showcases the cultivation process of dozens of moss species, becoming a popular destination for parent-child study tours. The aroma of freshly ground coffee wafts from the "Courtyard Cafe," renovated from an old house, where visitors can enjoy coffee while admiring the scenery and experiencing a slower pace of life. In addition, the "Happiness Bookstore," integrating reading, exhibitions, and salons, injects a literary atmosphere into the village. The Taste of Happiness: The village's cuisine is not to be missed. Locally grown citrus fruits, freshly ground soy milk, and farmhouse dishes cooked over a wood fire offer an authentic taste of Western Sichuan. During festivals, you can also watch villagers perform suona and lotus flute dances, experiencing the original folk culture. V. Travel Tips: How to Deeply Experience Xingfu Ancient Village - Transportation: About a 1.5-hour drive from Chengdu, navigate to "Danleng Xingfu Ancient Village"; or take the high-speed train to Meishan East Station, transfer to a bus to Danleng, and then take a taxi. - Accommodation: There are only 12 guesthouses in the village (such as "Happy Mountain Residence"), which require advance booking; you can also choose hotels in Danleng County or Heilongtan Scenic Area. - Nearby Attractions: It is recommended to combine a visit with the Sansu Temple (Dongpo culture), Heilongtan (lake and island scenery), Lao'e Mountain (Buddhist holy land), and other attractions for a 2-3 day trip. - Best Seasons: March-April for flower viewing and tea picking, September-October for fruit tasting and autumn scenery, and winter snow scenery is also unique. Conclusion: The True Meaning of Happiness Lies in the Mountains and Rivers The charm of Xingfu Ancient Village lies in its being both a witness to history and a participant in the present. There are no grand narratives here, only the rustling of corn hanging under the eaves in the wind, and the figures of villagers strolling along the Salt and Iron Ancient Road. As an elder in the village said, "Happiness is not being bedridden, being able to work in the fields even at eighty or ninety." This simple philosophy of life may be the "poetry and distance" that modern people seek. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, come and stay for a few days. Stroll through the flower fields and ancient paths during the day, gaze at the boiling stars at night, and let your body and mind return to their most natural state—after all, happiness should be this simple. Sansu Temple