Wentang ranks first, followed by Zhukou, then Penglong, and finally Likou
Wentang, historically known as Huntou and Hengtou, is located at the foot of Xianyu Mountain. During the Song Dynasty, it belonged to Xianguishang Township, Zhuojinli, and in the Yuan Dynasty, the 'li' was changed to 'du', becoming one of the twenty 'du'. The local saying in Qimen goes: 'Wentang ranks first, followed by Zhukou, then Penglong, and finally Likou,' referring to the historical position and wealth of Wentang in the western townships of Qimen.
Since ancient times, Wentang has been home to scholars and distinguished individuals, never lacking in notable figures. In this small mountain village of less than 1 square kilometer, there were 4 Juren and 2 Jinshi in ancient times. The four Chen brothers from Wentang, known as the 'Four Mountain Men'—Xianggao, Xiangmin, Xiangrong, and Xiangxiu—were all well-known figures.
1⃣️If you continue along the ancient path by the Zhuanshuiwan River for about a hundred meters and turn left, you will see a pile of green slate stones lying across the path; this is the site of the Kuiguang Archway. This archway, with its three-bay, four-pillar, and five-story structure, is grand and imposing, with exquisite carvings. Its architrave, upper arch, and floating decorations on the stone pillars are beautifully ornate. The archway was built in honor of Chen Zhongli, a public figure of the Ming Dynasty. Today, the green stones are still there, silently narrating history.
2⃣️The best ancient building in the village is Yongxi Hall, the ancestral hall of the Chen family of Wentang, which served as a lineage of officials. It was a place for clan members to worship ancestors, discuss affairs, resolve disputes, regulate rituals, and hold large-scale events. The hall was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1368—1398) by Chen Shesheng, and was named after the phrase 'Filial sons are never in short supply, may you always be blessed' from the Book of Songs. The hall occupies a vast area and is imposing in its presence, especially known for a pair of stone drums.
The village once had ten famous sights: Flying Dragon in the Morning Sun, Gorge Mountain Facing the Clouds, Drum Tower in Quiet Study, Cangxi Creek Evening Song, River Village Evening Fishing, Algae Pond Moonlit Night, Fragrant Isle Smoke Trees, Purple Stream Peach Waves, West Peak Evening Rain, and Li Mountain Distant Han. Unfortunately, most of them are now difficult to trace.
You will need to drive yourself, just navigate directly to Wentang Village.