** Zhicheng Hall of Lucun Village

Zhicheng Hall, located in Lucun Village of East China's Anhui Province, is acclaimed as the No 1 woodcarvingbuilding. It was first constructed by Lu Bangxie in the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Daoguang. Lu, also called Lu Baiwang (a millionaire), enjoyed a bright political career after making a big fortune in business.

The building consists of seven courtyards, among which Zhicheng Hall served as Lu's own living room. In this well-preserved antique hall exquisite woodcarving works, in the form of high relief, concave relief, and low relief, are fully displayed. Besides, the hall is noted for a fantastic background for movie cameras. For instance, the well-known Huangmei Opera Huizhou Woman, starring Han Zaifen, was shot here.

** Chengzhi Hall of Hongcun Village

Chengzhi Hall stands in Hongcun Village, which evolved in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Hongcun Village, covering an area of 30 hectares, is very famous for its water-supplying system. The bird view of village's shape is like a resting buffalo. The running water flows in the winding ditches to every household, and is finally gathered in a little lake at the entrance of the village. The peaceful environment and beautiful surroundings present outsiders a piece of pleasing and tranquil picture, featuring a typical country life in South China.

Hundreds of visitors are attracted to the village each day by its beautiful views and more than 140 well-preserved ancient houses, among which the magnificent Chengzhi Hall is celebrated. The wealthy Huizhou merchant Wang Dinggui established Chengzhi Hall in 1855. Inside the ancient houses visitors can appreciate the splendid woodcarvings on the beams and columns.

It is said that more than 20 caving artists spent 4 years finishing the luxurious handicraft wood works, which was gilded with 100 liang (a traditional unit of weight, equal to 5 kilograms) of gold. After visit, one would conclude that Hongcun Village's major difference from others is that the well-preserved ancient houses blends harmoniously with the brilliant woodcarving works.

Author: Cindy

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