Village with a difference

A feature of Yanyi Hall is the ceilings of the ground and first floors have three layers. [Photo by Zhu Liya/Yu Xianmin/China Daily]

The shuikou is also regarded as a prototype of an ancient public garden in Chinese villages.

Yongxing Lake, to the west of Chengkan, is believed to be auspicious for the village, together with its river and hills.

Chengkan has produced a galaxy of talented people in various fields because of that.

Beside the lake there are ancient buildings that are used as training sites for local craftsmanship, such as bamboo carving, wood carving, ink stone carving, ink making and paper-tearing, which are listed as intangible cultural heritage.

There, visitors can interact with the artists.

The door culture, another unique tradition, is where villagers teach you how to cross a threshold.