Overlooked Attractions in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu: An Hour's Drive from Nanjing, Numerous Ming and Qing Style Traditional Buildings
Nowadays, with the continuous development of all-inclusive tourism, many new tourist attractions have emerged in many places, especially the booming ancient villages and towns in recent years. 'Thousand Blossoms Village' in Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, is one of them. Although it is called a village, it is not ancient, and all the buildings are completely built in the style of traditional Jiangnan Ming and Qing residences. It is a genuine imitation of a Ming and Qing ancient village.
Thousand Blossoms Village is located in Baohua Town, Jiyong City, Zhenjiang. It is located at the foot of Baohua Mountain National Forest Park. It takes about an hour's drive from Nanjing. The predecessor of Thousand Blossoms Village was the ancient village of Yangliuquan Village, which has a long history. It is said to have been named after the Qing Qianlong Emperor's bestowal. Later, as tourism developed, the residents moved out, and the newly built Yangliuquan Village was revitalized and renamed 'Thousand Blossoms Village'.
Nanjing's Qinliao River is well-known to everyone. There are two origins of the river, both of which originate from the Jiyong River. The source of the river is located in this ancient village. There is a pagoda-shaped pavilion in Thousand Blossoms Village, with a striking and spacious pavilion with upturned eaves. The has the words 'Source of Qinliao' written on it, which is said to be written by the Qing Qianlong Emperor himself.
There is also 'Baozhi Temple' here, built to commemorate the eminent monk Baozhi of the Liang Dynasty during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Baohua Mountain was originally named Huashan, and was later renamed Baohua Mountain because Baozhi once established a hermitage here. Many people may not know that Baozhi is the prototype of the famous monk Zizhu (Jingzuo) who is passed down in folklore. You can also see Zizhu statues in front of Baozhi Temple.
Although Thousand Blossoms Village is an artificially built imitation of a historic village, its deep cultural heritage is still evident. The buildings, constructed with gray tiles and wooden structures, are built along the mountainside, and there are stone steps in between. When you enter, you truly feel like you have arrived in a Ming and Qing ancient village.
However, it seems that not many people know about this place. It is very convenient to get to, and the imitation architecture is very realistic, which is a bit of a pity.
The location of Thousand Blossoms Village is also very beautiful, with mountains and water, and the scenery is very picturesque. It's no wonder that the Qing Qianlong Emperor visited it six times, and every time he came, he would use the spring water here to brew tea, and he named the spring water Yangliuquan, which is the origin of the name of Yangliuquan Village.
Newly built villages are often not recognized by people, but Thousand Blossoms Village is very different. The layout of the villagers in Thousand Blossoms Village is very characteristic of the Ming Dynasty, and here you can find shops selling ( – money bag shops), tea houses, wine shops, snack stalls, government offices, money changers, and antique shops, which vividly demonstrate the daily life scenes of the people during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Although it is an imitation, it is not without authenticity, and this is also what attracts many tourists.
At night, Thousand Blossoms Village gives a dreamlike and illusory feeling. Colorful lights illuminate the entire village, and the former street lighting has been revitalized, presenting a prosperous scene of the Qianlong Dynasty.
There is a very interesting restaurant in the village, just like buying things, you can only pay with 'copper coins'. To eat here, you must wear ancient costumes to be seated, and the restaurant will provide costumes for free. Once you put on the ancient clothes and sit down, the shopkeeper will serve you.
Do you know or have you ever been to Thousand Blossoms Village in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu? What impressions do you have about the scenery and architecture there? Welcome to leave a comment.
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