Discovering the Hidden Gem of Jiangnan - Songyang Yangjiatang

Nestled in the mountainous region of southern Zhejiang, Songyang County in Lishui City is home to 75 traditional Chinese villages, collectively forming a model of 'Classical China' at the county level. Among these ancient villages, Yangjiatang stands out with its unique charm, earning the reputation of 'The Hidden Treasure of Jiangnan'. Yangjiatang is located in Sandu Township, Songyang County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, just a few miles away from the county town. The village's history dates back to the mid-17th century, with over three hundred years of vicissitudes. During the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, Song Xiankun became the first settler of Yangjiatang. One theory about the origin of the village name is that there were once three interlacing camphor trees in the village, hence it was initially called 'Camphor Interlace Hall', which was later renamed to Yangjiatang. Situated in a mountain hollow at an altitude of about 850 meters, Yangjiatang is praised as 'The Golden Secret Realm of Jiangnan' due to its advantageous geographical location and distinctive architectural style. The layout of the ancient village is unique, with residential buildings built along the mountainside, layered and scattered in an orderly fashion. The entire village consists of a group of Qing Dynasty mud and wood structures, forming five levels with a total of 30 buildings. These residences are well-preserved, not only showcasing the profound historical and cultural heritage but also reflecting the traditional way of life in ancient villages. In Yangjiatang, every brick and stone carries a rich history and culture. Each stone, archway, and ancient tree in the village seems to tell stories of the past. The buildings in the village are mostly made of stone foundations and earthen walls. Although simple and unadorned, they are well-arranged and preserved. The tranquil ancient village, lush trees, layered residential buildings, and the unique yellow walls and gray tiles together paint a pastoral picture that is refreshing to the soul. Being here, one feels as if they can escape the hustle and bustle and find inner peace. Standing in the village, looking at the green mountains and shaded trees, it is a typical scene of an ancient village in the mountains. Although Yangjiatang is not large, a leisurely stroll without the rush to take photos is enough to immerse oneself and experience its unique charm. It is worth mentioning that the two towering ancient trees at the entrance of the village, known as the 'Husband and Wife Trees', and the unique coffee shop viewing platform have become iconic landscapes here, attracting countless tourists to stop and admire.