The World Heritage Tentative List(2008) of Shanxi Province - Dingcun Village

Dingcun Village, located in Xiangfen County, Shanxi Province, China, is a historic ensemble of ancient buildings with profound historical significance and an important member on the World Heritage Tentative List. Named for its concentration of Ding surname residents, the residential buildings here p nearly four hundred years, from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China period, with each structure carrying rich historical information.

The layout of Dingcun Village is well-organized and picturesque, centered around the Guanyin Temple and arranged along a "T"-shaped small street. The four main groups of buildings - North Yard, Middle Yard, South Yard, and West Yard - are distributed to the north, south, and west, forming a beautiful rural landscape. These buildings are not only laid out reasonably but also display refined architectural grandeur. With winding alleys and interconnected courtyards, they demonstrate the unique charm of ancient rural architecture in China.

In terms of architectural features, Dingcun Village stands out as unique. Whether it's the dougong (bracket sets), queti (bracket-shaped carvings below eaves), bofeng boards (eaves boards), lintels, door headers, or window lattices, they are all intricately carved with superb craftsmanship and expressive techniques. These carved works are not only skillfully executed but also carry profound meanings, ranging from daily life and etiquette to traditional opera and “shehuo”, presenting a vivid display of China's precious ancient folklore, akin to a "living fossil."

As a national key protected cultural relic unit, Dingcun Village has received significant attention and protection from both national and local governments. In the future, with the continuous enhancement of conservation and inheritance efforts, this gem of history and art will radiate even more dazzling brilliance, leaving behind more invaluable historical and cultural heritage for future generations.

(The image is sourced from the internet. If there is any infringement, it will be deleted.)

Source: Comprehensive collation by sx.china.com