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Wangxian is an ancient human settlement ingeniously built into the cliffs of Mount Lu.
Situated in the Jiangxi Province of China, it is located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of the city of Jiujiang.
Nestled in lush mountains, the village provides stunning panoramic views of valleys and peaks.
Despite its remote location, Wangxian’s population is small; nevertheless, a few hundred residents preserve ancestral traditions.
What makes this village unique is that its hanging houses extend horizontally along the cliff faces, with houses, pathways, and terraced fields clinging to the steep slopes.
The houses in this place are also shrouded in mist and thin clouds during the day.
The sound of the gurgling river water, combined with the rustling of the lush trees in the valley, makes the atmosphere in this settlement truly soothing.
Every night, the entire valley is decorated with fantastic lights that create the effect of twinkling, shining stars.
Although not widely known, travelers can begin their journey to the village by heading to the city of Jiujiang.
From there, they can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach Wangxian.
During the journey, enjoy navigating winding mountain roads, providing views of lush forests and cascading streams.
Upon arrival, expect a brief hike or climb to reach the village via narrow pathways and steep staircases.
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The Structure of the Hanging House in Wangxian
The structures of the houses are primarily built using local materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo, seamlessly blending into the surrounding cliffs and appearing as extensions of the landscape.
Moreover, houses are constructed using traditional methods, with wooden beams and rafters supporting intricately tiled roofs.
Villagers select sturdy beams and rafters to support structures, ensuring stability on steep cliffsides. They fit components precisely, creating a framework blending seamlessly into the landscape’s natural contours.
Bamboo is used for flooring, walls, and roofing, ensuring durability.
Intricate carpentry skills create houses tailored to cliff locations. As a result, the hanging houses appear as if they are an organic part of the terrain.
The houses are suspended about 50–100 meters above the ground and connected to each other by stairs and narrow, winding walkways.
Narrow alleyways wind their way through the village, connecting clusters of homes and communal spaces.
Furthermore, suspended walkways and stone staircases cling to the cliff faces, providing access to different levels of the village.
Ingenious Engineering of the Water Management System
Recognizing the importance of water conservation in their mountainous environment, the villagers developed a sophisticated network of channels and reservoirs to collect and distribute water throughout the community.
Additionally, streams and springs are channeled into stone-lined aqueducts, which traverse the cliffs and deliver water to terraced fields and household cisterns.
Gravity-fed irrigation systems ensure a steady water supply for agriculture, enabling villagers to cultivate rice, tea, and other crops on the steep surrounding slopes.
Way of Life with Traditional Chinese Culture
Their livelihood revolves around traditional agricultural practices. Moreover, terraced fields carved into the steep slopes of Mount Lu provide sustenance year-round.
The villagers cultivate rice, tea, and vegetables. They also utilize ingenious irrigation systems to maximize water usage in rugged terrain.
Furthermore, many households engage in cottage industries such as bamboo weaving, pottery, and woodcarving. This helps in preserving ancient crafts passed down through the ages.
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The Origin and Brief History of Wangxian
Wangxian traces its origins back over a millennium. Historical records date its establishment to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
Situated strategically along the ancient Tea Horse Road, the village served as a vital trading post, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange between Jiangxi, Hunan, and Guangdong.
Its unique location was chosen for defensive advantages, as well as its proximity to fertile soil and abundant water sources.
Over the centuries, successive generations of villagers developed ingenious methods of harnessing these resources.