| |
Autumn in Huizhou
Huizhou, located in the southernmost part of Anhui
Province, was designated as an administrative region in 1121 when
it then governed Shexian, Yixian, Jixi, Qimen, Xiuning counties,
and Maoyuan County, now under the jurisdiction of Jiangxi Province.
The Huizhou Prefecture was set up in May, 1949. It
was renamed Huizhou Region in 1971 and then changed to Huangshan
City in November 1987, when it governed three districts -- Tunxi,
Huangshan and Huizhou, four counties -- Shexian, Xiuning, Qimen
and Yixian, and Huangshan scenic spot.
Huizhou is known far and wide for its mountains and
rivers, like Taiping Lake, Xin'an River, and nature reserves,
Ku'niuxiang and Qingliang Peak. Located west to Huangshan Mountain,
Qiyun Mountain -- one of four renowned Taoist-based Mountains --
has many cave dwellings and Taoist temples, and preserves thousands
of engravings on tablets and on cliff sides.
Huizhou has produced many historically important
people who have developed Huizhou's unique culture, leaving a
great number of treasures for the appreciation of visitors. Huizhou-style
architecture and traditional handicraft enjoy a high reputation
all over the world. Stone memorial archways, temples and residential
housing are dubbed its "three superbs."
Huizhou has many thousands of complete architectural
preservations. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization) listed Xidi and Hongcun villages both in
Yixian County as World Heritage sites in November 2000. And Tunxi
Ancient Town is its best-preserved business street with the characteristics
of Song, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Civilian Huizhou-style residential housing embraces
local physical features of the area, fengshui concepts
and aesthetic trends. With black tiles, white walls and horse heads
decorated elegantly on upturned eaves, the buildings appear full
of a sense of beauty. As a school of traditional Chinese architecture,
Huizhou-style architecture amasses elegance, simplicity and dignity
in perfect harmony.
A great many hometowns of celebrities -- writers,
poets, painters, calligraphers and officials -- in ancient times
were located in Huizhou and are well preserved. Visitors can still
find many rare treasures in these houses.
|
|
