Dang Village in Hancheng, Weinan

Dang Village in Hancheng, Weinan

Dang Village (党家村), located in the northeastern part of Hancheng City (韩城市), Weinan (渭南), Shaanxi Province (陕西省), is a historically significant village with a rich cultural heritage. Situated in the beautiful Misui River Valley (泌水河谷), Dang Village is known for its ancient architecture and vibrant local traditions. The village’s unique layout, which resembles a “gourd” shape, has earned it the reputation as a “feng shui” treasure. It is 9 kilometers from the city center of Hancheng, 1.5 kilometers west of National Highway 108, and 3.5 kilometers east of the Yellow River (黄河).

The village has 320 households, with over 1,400 residents, and was established in the second year of the Yuan Dynasty (1331 AD), making it nearly 700 years old. The local architecture, particularly the traditional courtyard houses (四合院) and many historical structures like temples, ancestral halls, and watchtowers, make it a living relic of ancient Chinese civilization. In recognition of its cultural value, Dang Village was included in China’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2008 and was designated a National 4A Tourist Attraction in December 2016.

History and Cultural Significance

Dang Village, known for its historical and cultural richness, is often referred to as a “living fossil of ancient human settlements” and a “gem of world residential architecture.” The village boasts 123 traditional courtyard houses and 11 ancestral halls, as well as 25 guard towers. Its well-preserved temples, opera stages, and other ancient structures are a testament to its rich heritage.

The village’s architecture represents the classical design of Shanxi and Shaanxi’s ancient residences, which have earned it admiration both nationally and internationally. British architect Professor Charles of the Royal Institute of British Architects said, “Oriental architectural culture, in China, is represented by the residential architecture of Hancheng.” Dr. Aoki Masao, a professor from the Japanese Architectural Society’s Rural Planning Committee, commented, “I have visited over ten countries across Europe, Asia, America, and Africa, but I have never seen such a well-preserved ancient traditional village, with intricate layouts, delicate craftsmanship, and a rich cultural atmosphere.”

Dang Village has been recognized for its historical significance and is classified as a “Historical Cultural Protection Village” by the Shaanxi Province and is part of the “International Traditional Dwelling Research Project.” The village is a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into ancient Chinese life and architecture.

Historical Development

Foundation of the Village

In the second year of the Yuan Dynasty (1331 AD), the first ancestor of the Dang family, Dang Shuxuan (党恕轩), migrated from Chaoyi County (朝邑县) due to famine and settled in this area. He married a woman from the neighboring Fan family (樊氏), and they had four sons. The second and third sons, Junxian (君显) and Junren (君仁), continued their lineage in the village, while the eldest son, Junming (君明), moved to Gansu (甘肃) for farming and never returned. The Dang family has continued to thrive for 25 generations.

In the early Ming Dynasty, the Jia family (贾族) moved to Hancheng from Hongtong (洪桐), Shanxi (山西). The fifth generation of the Jia family, Jia Lian (贾连), married a daughter of the Dang family, forming a lasting union. In the fourth year of the Jiajing Era (1525 AD), Jia Zhang (贾璋) settled in Dang Village and established his family business. The Jia family has continued for 24 generations, with both families sharing a strong bond.

Economic Growth During the Qing Dynasty

During the early Qing Dynasty, the Dang and Jia families flourished through trade and business, especially along the borders of Henan (河南) and Hubei (湖北). The reigns of Emperor Jiaqing (嘉庆), Daoguang (道光), and Xianfeng (咸丰) marked the golden age of Dang Village’s economy, with the village becoming a prosperous commercial hub.

The Glory of Dang Village

In the Qing Dynasty, the village’s prosperity was reflected in the construction of grand courtyard houses, temples, and defensive fortifications. The construction boom began during the Jiaqing and Daoguang reigns, with the villagers investing in significant architectural projects that shaped the village’s impressive appearance. The construction of the Biyang Fort (泌阳堡) in the first year of Emperor Xianfeng’s reign (1851 AD) connected the entire village and made it famous for its wealth and architectural beauty.

Modern Recognition

In 1986, Dang Village was rediscovered by a joint research team from Xi’an University of Metallurgy and Architecture (西安冶金建筑学院) and Kyushu University (九州大学), who conducted in-depth surveys of the village. This led to the publication of the book Dang Village (《党家村》) by Professor Aoki Masao (青木正夫) from Kyushu University in 1991. This book played a key role in introducing Dang Village to the world, and subsequent media reports helped raise the village’s profile internationally.

In 2001, Dang Village was designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council. The village was also listed as one of China’s historical cultural villages and became an important tourist destination.

Architectural Features

Dang Village is home to numerous traditional architectural styles, with most buildings consisting of courtyard houses (四合院). The layout and design of these buildings reflect the principles of Feng Shui, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits.

Courtyard Houses (四合院)

Each courtyard house covers an area of about 260 square meters and is typically rectangular or square in shape. The structure includes a main hall (厅房), two side rooms (厢房), and an entrance room (门房), creating a layout that resembles a human figure—symbolizing harmony and balance. The main hall is often used for family gatherings and rituals, while the side rooms serve as living spaces for family members.

Defensive Structures

Dang Village is known for its defensive architecture, including watchtowers (看家楼), defensive walls (夹层墙), and secret passages (暗道). These structures were built to protect the village from external threats during periods of unrest.

Gatehouses and Decorative Carvings

The village is also known for its intricate brick carvings and wood carvings, which adorn the entrances to many homes and buildings. These carvings often feature symbols of good fortune, such as the “Five Blessings” (五福), and are an important expression of the villagers’ cultural values.

Key Landmarks

Jiexiao Monument (节孝碑)

A monument dedicated to filial piety and respect for ancestors, reflecting the Confucian values that are deeply ingrained in the culture of Dang Village.

Wenxing Pavilion (文星阁)

A pavilion dedicated to the stars of literature, representing the intellectual and cultural aspirations of the villagers.

Biyang Fort (泌阳堡)

A historic fort that was built to protect the village and remains a symbol of its defensive strength and resilience.

Watchtower (看家楼)

A three-story structure used for surveillance and defense, standing at 14.5 meters tall, it offers a panoramic view of the entire village.

Feng Shui Tower (风水塔)

Built in the 21st year of the Guangxu Era (1895 AD), this six-story hexagonal tower stands at 37.5 meters and is a testament to the village’s unique approach to Feng Shui and cultural symbolism.

Cultural Legacy

Intellectual Contributions

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Dang Village produced five scholars who passed the imperial examinations and 44 scholars who earned degrees. This intellectual legacy is reflected in the village’s pursuit of culture, alongside its economic success. Scholars from China and Japan have studied Dang Village extensively, contributing to a deeper understanding of its architectural and cultural significance.

Cultural Preservation

Despite suffering during the “Cultural Revolution” (文革) and the natural disasters of the early 20th century, Dang Village’s historical buildings have been preserved. Today, over 100 courtyard houses, ancestral halls, temples, and monuments are protected as cultural relics, attracting visitors from around the world.

Scenic Spots

Jiexiao Stele (节孝碑)

One of the most notable attractions in Dang Village (党家村) is the Jiexiao Stele (节孝碑), which is admired by all visitors for its intricate craftsmanship. The stele is housed in a magnificent stone structure, towering more than 2 meters high, with an elegantly designed roof supported by flying eaves. The roof is adorned with five spires and carved ridge figures, while the body of the stele depicts the image of three dragons holding the imperial edict. The intricate carvings are rich in cultural symbolism.

On the stone’s surface, there’s an engraving that reads: “Jing Biao Chi Zeng Zhi Shilang Dang Weilie Zhi Qi Niuren Jiexiao Bei” (旌表敕赠徵仕郎党伟烈之妻牛孺人节孝碑), which translates as “Memorial to the wife of the official Dang Weilie for her outstanding filial piety and chastity.”

The engraving is a tribute to Niururen (牛孺人), a woman recognized for her unwavering devotion to her deceased husband, marking her as a model of chastity and filial duty.

Visitors can also observe detailed carvings along the stele’s pillars, representing auspicious symbols, including “Magpies on Plum Blossoms,” “Cranes by Stream,” “Running Deer,” and “Ducks Playing in Lotus Pods,” each with specific meanings related to good fortune and prosperity.

Wenxing Pavilion (文星阁)

Wenxing Pavilion (文星阁), standing over 600 years old, symbolizes the village’s deep connection with culture and education. Located in a serene spot, the pavilion has six iron ropes holding up its eaves, each adorned with large iron bells that ring with the wind. Local elders say the bells’ sound is a harbinger of rain when they ring continuously for two days.

The tower resembles the “Tower of the Celestial King Li Jing” from the Fengshen Yanyi (封神演义). Visitors can ascend its ladder and admire the artwork inside, where statues and plaques dedicated to Confucius (孔子) and his ten disciples, including Yan Yuan (颜渊) and Meng Ke (孟轲), are displayed. The top level is dedicated to Wenquxing (文曲星), the god of literature, holding a brush and scroll, symbolizing the pursuit of scholarly success.

The pavilion has undergone several renovations, and it is believed that the village’s lack of notable scholars in recent years is due to its location in a valley, which obstructs the pavilion’s spiritual energy, as dictated by traditional Feng Shui principles.

Temple Complexes

Dang Village (党家村) is home to two main temple complexes: The Bodhisattva Temple (菩萨庙), also known as the Upper Temple (上庙), and The Guandi Temple (关帝庙), known as the Lower Temple (下庙).

Upper Temple (上庙)

Situated in the northeastern corner of the village, the Upper Temple is dedicated to various deities, including the Bodhisattva (观音). Here, the Bodhisattva is depicted as a serene female figure, although historically, Guanyin was considered male. The temple complex includes a hall for worship, a grand open stage for performances, and a pair of iron flagpoles. The surrounding area also contains a unique “Son-Delivering Goddess Temple (送子娘娘庙)” symbolizing fertility, with statues of women and miniature figures of children, reflecting the cultural importance of progeny.

Lower Temple (下庙)

Located in the southeastern part of the village, the Lower Temple is dedicated to Guandi (关帝), the famous general of the Three Kingdoms period. The temple is a well-preserved structure featuring impressive murals and carvings depicting Guandi’s (关羽) legendary bravery. One of the most striking elements in the temple is the “Golden Plaques” (金匾) which were donated by local merchants in the Jiaqing Era (嘉庆年间). These plaques, made of gold and intricately carved, are said to have been transported carefully by mule carts.

The murals and carvings throughout the temple depict famous scenes from “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms” (三国演义), celebrating Guandi’s (关羽) courage and honor.

Temple Architecture

Both temple complexes feature grand courtyards, intricate sculptures, and detailed carvings on pillars and walls. These temples represent the deep-rooted spirituality and the rich cultural traditions of Dang Village (党家村), serving not only as places of worship but also as cultural and social gathering spots for the villagers.

Additional Cultural Features

Famous Stone Carvings and Artworks

Dang Village (党家村) is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings, especially on gates and pillars, which depict symbolic and auspicious imagery. These include carvings of animals, flowers, and geometric patterns, with each carrying specific meanings related to harmony, wealth, and health.

The gates are especially notable for their carved scenes that depict elements of daily life, such as “Magpies on Plum Blossoms,” which symbolizes joy, and “Cranes by Stream,” symbolizing longevity. These carvings showcase the intricate craftsmanship and the deep cultural heritage of the village.

Cultural Influence and Preservation

The historical and architectural significance of Dang Village (党家村) has led to its recognition as a key cultural site in China. Its well-preserved architecture, stone carvings, and temples continue to attract scholars, tourists, and those interested in traditional Chinese culture and architecture.

In addition to its status as a cultural relic, Dang Village (党家村) remains a living village where residents continue to uphold centuries-old traditions. Visitors to the village can still experience the way of life that has been passed down through generations.

Cultural Customs

Traditional Festivals

In Dang Village (党家村), the year begins with the traditional lunar calendar, but many villagers refer to the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month as “Minor New Year” (小年). This marks the beginning of the New Year’s preparations, and the celebration continues until the 15th day of the first lunar month. On this day, various rituals and customs are observed, including the worship of the Stove God (灶君).

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, families prepare offerings for the Stove God to ensure good fortune in the coming year. Common offerings include malt sugar (糖瓜子) and deep-fried sweet dumplings. After the ceremony, the old image of the Stove God is burned, symbolizing sending the deity to Heaven.

This day is also a key deadline for family members to return home. According to custom, if a family member is absent, the Stove God will report it to the Emperor, leading to their exclusion from the family blessings for the coming year. The saying “The ugly daughter-in-law must return home by the 23rd” refers to a daughter-in-law who must reconcile with her in-laws before the New Year celebrations.

New Year’s Eve Preparations

On New Year’s Eve (除夕), the morning begins with a thorough house cleaning. Doors and windows are cleaned and new paper decorations are pasted on them. The Spring Festival couplets (春联) are affixed to doors and the God Shelters (神棚) are set up in the courtyard. A Spirit Pole (接神杆子) is erected to welcome gods back to the family.

Families will also make offerings and pray to the Kitchen God (灶君) and ancestors, with incense and sacrifices such as dumplings and steamed buns. This is a time for “farewell to the old year” (辞年), where family members kneel and pay respects to their ancestors.

New Year’s Day

On New Year’s Day (正月初一), the first act of the day is to open the two main gates of the home. The villagers believe that doing so will allow gold and silver to enter their homes. Worship is performed at dawn, where offerings are made to the Earth God (土地神), Heaven God (天地神), and the Kitchen God. Families also burn pine branches and wooden charcoal, which are believed to drive away evil spirits.

After the ceremonies, families visit their relatives, friends, and the village ancestral halls to pay their respects. This custom is known as “Bai Nian” (拜年), meaning “paying New Year’s greetings.”

Second Day and Fifth Day Traditions

On the second day of the New Year (正月初二), the son-in-law visits the parents-in-law, and on the fifth day (正月初五), people traditionally visit their teachers. If no teacher is present, villagers simply stay home and pay their respects to the gods.

Lantern Festival (元宵节)

The Lantern Festival (元宵节) on the fifteenth day of the New Year marks the culmination of the New Year celebrations. The entire village celebrates with lantern displays, lantern-making competitions, and a vibrant atmosphere. Colorful lanterns are hung throughout the village, with children carrying various types of lanterns, running from house to house to see the festivities. The night sky is filled with fireworks, and the village comes alive with joy and celebration.

This day is also marked by the consumption of sweet rice dumplings (元宵), which symbolize the reunion of family members.

The Tradition of Drum Beating and Firecrackers

One of the key traditions during the New Year period is the beating of drums by children. They carry small drums and gongs around the village, creating a festive atmosphere. This tradition is believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck to the family.

There is also a local saying: “On the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, we search for dirty tables” (腊月二十三，烂脏桌子往回找), referring to the children’s excitement when they can finally return to school after the long winter break.

Cultural Celebrations and Social Customs

Despite Dang Village (党家村) facing some criticism from neighboring villages about its lack of elaborate New Year’s celebrations, such as social fire dances or dramas, the villagers have found their own ways of celebrating. During the years of World War II, the villagers held plays and staged performances like Qin Opera (秦腔), which became a key social event in the village, drawing visitors from neighboring areas to enjoy the performances. These performances, held on the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of the New Year, became a major cultural event in the area.

Though some villagers were historically reluctant to spend money on large-scale celebrations, these plays and performances became an important part of their New Year customs, giving the community a sense of pride.

The Lantern Mountain Festival (灯山会)

During the Lantern Festival, two prominent families in Dang Village, the Jiá Family (贾族) and Dāng Family (党族), build massive “Lantern Mountains” (灯山会). These lantern structures are grand, with lights hanging high up and a maze of lanterns and incense smoke filling the air. The Jiá Family sets up their lantern display in front of their gates, worshiping the Horse King (马王), while the Dāng Family sets up their display near the village’s main street, paying homage to the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝).

These lantern displays become focal points of the village during the festival, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Villagers also hang lanterns at the Bodhisattva Temple (菩萨庙), Guandi Temple (关帝庙), and the Wenxing Pavilion (文星阁), creating a sparkling, festive atmosphere.

Traditional Architecture

Dang Village (党家村) features traditional Siheyuan (四合院), a type of courtyard house typically built in a square layout, with each house unit surrounding a central courtyard. These houses are commonly built on a plot of around four mu (approximately 2,667 square meters). While some Siheyuan have rear or side courtyards, they are relatively rare. The main hall and the gatehouse occupy the width of the plot, while the side rooms are embedded between these two, creating a relatively narrow courtyard in the center.

Water Channels and Drainage System

The eaves (屋檐) of the buildings are designed to allow rainwater to flow down into gutters (筒槽), which then channel the water into drainage channels (水道) that direct the water to the courtyard or the alley outside. Some of these gutters are built using brick structures, while others use a tile and wooden beam system.

The entire courtyard is paved with blue bricks, and the walls, including the gable walls of the hall and gatehouse, form the boundary of the courtyard. Even when larger plots are available, the layout remains consistent, with the rooms arranged in a similar fashion.

Gate Designs

The gates of Dang Village Siheyuan are classified into two types: wall gates (墙门) and horse gate towers (走马门楼). Wall gates are narrow and simple, while the horse gate towers are more elaborate, often with wooden beams and carved decorations. The gates typically open on the left or right side of the gatehouse, with central doors being rare. In the past, only families with someone who had achieved official success (功名) could have a central door, which would be marked with a flagpole.

The horse gate towers are set back from the main house by several feet and feature a loft above, used for storage and other purposes. The gate arch (门楣) is often decorated with intricate carvings, such as lotus flowers (莲花) and cloud motifs (云头), which add vibrancy to the gate’s appearance. These gates are not just functional but also symbolic of the family’s status and achievements.

Architectural Details

The “Chitous” (螭头子), or dragon head carvings, are featured prominently in the architecture. These arc-shaped decorations are designed to support the eaves while also adding a decorative element. These carvings are often found on the walls surrounding the gate and are intricately sculpted, reflecting traditional craftsmanship. They are commonly used in the roof truss system to support the structure’s weight.

Inside the gate passageway (内门道), there is a small shrine (神龛) dedicated to the Land God (土地神). Additionally, the walls of the gate passage feature carved brick reliefs, often depicting symbols of fortune (福) and longevity (寿), as well as images of magpies, plum blossoms, and pine trees, which are associated with good luck and long life.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include:

Dayu Temple (大禹庙)

Miaohou Village Ruins (庙后村遗址)

Ming Lun Hall (明伦堂)

Zun Jing Pavilion (尊经阁)

Longmen Scenic Area (龙门风景名胜)

Qingshui Hot Springs (清水温泉)

Yuange Temple (园阁寺)

Sima Qian Memorial (司马迁祠)

Wei Great Wall (魏长城)

Fawang Temple (法王庙)

Puzhao Temple (普照寺)

Confucius Temple (文庙大成殿)

Chaoyang Cave Grottoes (朝阳洞石窟)

Huanghe Wetlands in Heyang (合阳黄河湿地)

Seven Buddha Caves (七佛洞石窟)

Xihou Mountain (西猴山)

Travel Guide

Location

Dang Village (党家村) is located about 9 kilometers northeast of Hancheng (韩城市), in Weinan (渭南), Shaanxi Province, China.

Transportation

To reach Dang Village, travelers first need to get to Hancheng. There are direct trains from Beijing (北京) and Xi’an (西安) to Hancheng. From Hancheng, you can take either an east route (东路) or west route (西路) minibus to Dang Village:

East Route: Hancheng to Xiayu Kou (下峪口), departing from Hancheng Bus Station.

West Route: Hancheng to Daqiao (大桥), departing from East Lake Park (东湖公园).

Buses depart every 10 minutes, and the ticket price is around 3 RMB. A taxi ride from Hancheng costs approximately 30 RMB.

Local Cuisine

Local specialties include:

Sesame Pancakes (芝麻烧饼)

Spicy Wonton Soup (臊子馄饨)

Lamb Noodles (羊肉臊子)

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Dang Village are available in local houses with bed prices ranging from 30-60 RMB per night. If staying in Hancheng, options include:

Hancheng International Hotel (韩城国际酒店)

Hancheng Hotel (韩城宾馆)

Tangyun Hotel (唐韵饭店)

Jinta Hotel (金塔宾馆)

Yulong Hotel (禹龙宾馆)

Handian Hotel (韩电宾馆)

Standard room prices range from 100-280 RMB per night.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Dang Village experiences a semi-arid continental monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasons and ample sunlight. The average annual temperature is around 13.5°C. Spring and summer are ideal times for visiting.

Discount Information

Children under 1.2 meters are free.

Students with valid IDs can get half-price tickets.

Seniors aged 65 and above are free.

Military officers and tour guides (with a group) can enter free of charge.

Tips

The village has a simple, rural atmosphere. Farmhouse stays and homestays are available for meals and lodging.

Xizhuang Town (西庄镇), located near Dang Village, has notable attractions like the Fawang Temple (法王庙), Puzhao Temple (普照寺), and the Ruiguo Museum in Liangdai Village (梁带村芮国遗址博物馆), all of which are protected national cultural heritage sites.