Residential House in Tangyue Village

Nearby Shexian County, a village called Tangyue is another typical spot to explore the Huizhou dwellings' culture. It is a unique village of tranquility and inspiration. The age-old pavilions at its entrance, the old trees, the memorial arches and a tranquil river cut through it; all present an amicable earthly paradise that brings man into harmony with nature. The residential houses in the village were built in the earlier Qing and were a microcosm of the charming scenery of the Western Lake in Hangzhou. An octagonal tri-eaved pavilion at the entrance to the village is of typical ancient style. Several minutes westwards are a memorial arch, which presents the grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship of artisans.

Tan'ganyuan Garden in Tangyue is a must for each visitor. Right beside the entrance, a pair of tablets has fancy inscriptions, which recorded the building of the garden. A cobble pavement extends forwards to a great hall. The spirit tablets of two Qing officials are enshrined. After several minutes walk, the "Quegao Jingshe - the grand main hall in the garden, exhibits fancy bonsai. A long corridor zigzags through the central yard about one hundred meters. Further to north is another pavilion named "Jing Ting (Mirrior Pavilion)." On the marble parapets, pictures were engraved in relief. Also in the garden, inscriptions of the noted calligraphists lure many lovers of oriental culture.