Jiangtou Ancient Village

Located north of Guilin, Jiangtou Ancient Village is the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in Guangxi province. History proved that the Jiangtouers were the descendants of Zhoudunyi-an outstanding literati and philosopher in Song dynasty.

Mr. zhou is well-known for his abstruse philosophy of being honest and upright as an official which was clearly stated in his masterpiece giving honor to lotus. Zhou gave lotus the connotation of a virtue of honesty. Here he intended to exhort his later generations to keep honest in performing their official duties.

The colony of ancient architectures is large in scale, the largest of its kind in Guangxi. Approximately, the site includes more than 80 buildings, most of which keep their original style and features of the Ming and Qing dynasties. These wooden architectures are quite unique and elegant: brick walls preventing rain infiltration, black tiles recording the history of the village, ornamented beams reflecting the profound local culture and ornamental engraving-decorated gates standing for the particular flavor of the architectures. After hundreds of years' rain and wind, these buildings remain what they were. Actually, they still dominate the village and are homes of the locals.

First built in Song dynasty, Jiangtou Ancient Village now enjoys a long history of more than 800 years. History has left to this place innumerous sites and relics, as if it favored this part more than others. Many valuable and rare historical relics are well preserved here, such as ancient coins, inscription forest, ancient instruments, longevity beds and so on. Relics here contribute greatly to explore the culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Jiangtou radiates not only for its history and culture but the talents from it. Small as it is, it cultivated 28 celebrities ranging from upright and incorruptible high officials in central government to hard- working and wide-learned magistrates in county.

Jiangtou also boasts excellent natural scenery. The evergreen mountains, jade-like river and the vast green field make it appear to be a beautiful sketch.