The value and characteristics of Wan'an Ancient Town
Compared with Xidi, Hongcun, Chengkan, etc., Wan'an Ancient Town has both similarities and differences. The same thing is that they all have significant regional cultural backgrounds, completely retaining the original appearance of towns and villages and accompanying historical information, and continuing traditional life. The difference is that Xidi, Hongcun, Chengkan, etc. are agricultural or parasitic residential settlements maintained by family and blood relationships. Wan'an is a commercial residential settlement formed by political, economic, transportation and other factors. It presents a completely different appearance from most traditional villages and towns in Huizhou. It is an outstanding representative of Huizhou's commercial transportation culture and craftsmanship during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
From the site selection, layout, construction and decoration to the customs, products and customs of Wan'an Ancient Town, it is a perfect combination of material space form and ideology, with the following characteristics:
1 , guided by the traditional Feng Shui theory of "harmony between man and nature", the site selection and layout strives to achieve harmony between man and the natural environment. Focus on pursuing the typical southern Anhui water town style of "small bridges, flowing water, and people" under the large landscape style of "mountains, towers, rivers, and bridges" and the world, people, and environment that develop parallel to the Hengjiang River.
2. The architectural style layout of Wan'an Ancient Street, the streets and alleys are in the shape of fish bones. A main street is perpendicular to the main street, and more than 10 alleys are derived to the south and north. The alleys in the south serve as transportation functions, leading to the street in the front and the river in the back. The alley to the north plays the role of entering the residential area.
3. Use the traditional Confucian "Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism" concept to regulate people's thoughts, behaviors and moral standards. It respects Confucianism and values education, pays attention to the construction of cultural facilities, and has a rich cultural atmosphere.
4. The building structure is mainly made of brick, wood and stone, with emphasis on practicality. The building architecture reflects the commercial nature of the ancient town.
5. The water transport terminal is an important characteristic element of Wan'an Ancient Town and a witness to the history of water transport in the upper reaches of the Xin'an River in ancient times.
6. The famous "Wan'an Compass" in the ancient town is an important part and typical representative of Huizhou culture.