Cuandixia, Ming dynasty mountain village in Mentougou District, Beijing, China.
Cuandixia is a mountain village from the Ming Dynasty with approximately 500 courtyard homes built from natural stone and wood. The pathways climb steeply through the settlement and are paved with stone, creating a dense network of interconnected residential spaces.
The village was founded during the Ming Dynasty by settlers from Shanxi Province and grew into a trading hub during the Qing Dynasty. Coal, fur, and grain passed through here as key goods moving between regions.
The residents share the Han family name across generations, and their daily life revolves around maintaining ancestral courtyards and customs passed through time. This family connection shapes how the community functions and how spaces are used today.
Wear sturdy shoes since the paths are steep and can be slippery, especially after rain. Visit during daylight hours when the routes are clearly visible and safe to navigate.
The village name contains a Chinese character for cooking stove that was not simplified during the 1958 script reform. This character makes the name distinctive and shows a rare exception in modern Chinese writing changes.
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