 Chuandixia, Beijing
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About Chuandixia
Chuandixia is a crumbling little hamlet some 56 miles (90 km) to the northwest of Beijing. I have to remark that getting here may be a laborious challenge, but it will be well worth your effort, for more than anywhere else, Chuandixia Village is the best showcase of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture that is still intact.
The name Chuandixia means "under the river". It is a village located on a steep mountainside. Here in this scabrous setting are the medieval courtyard houses and rustic country abodes. The village homes huddle to, connected by little lanes. You would need to pay an admission fee to enter the village, after which you are free to explore at your own free will. And it is such a charming place to be, like stepping back in time.
It's not a big village, this hamlet Chuandixia, just five families totalling about 70 people. Yet they are usually quite hospitable, even more so today, now that they have tasted the benefit of tourism. Some of these homes do accept overnight guest for a fee. Ask around if you are keen to spend a night there.
How to reach Chuandixia
Take the subway to Pingguo Yuan station. That journey will take you one hour. Then take bus 929 to Zhaitangzhen, adding another 3 hours to the trip. Then take a taxi to Chuandixia.
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