Value Characteristics of Wan 'an Ancient Town

Compared with Xidi, Hongcun and Chengkan, the ancient town of Wan 'an has both similarities and differences. Similarly, they all have obvious regional and cultural backgrounds, completely retaining the original appearance of towns and villages and attached historical information, and continuing the traditional life. The difference is that Xidi, Hongcun and Chengkan are agricultural or parasitic settlements maintained by family and blood relationship. Wan 'an, on the other hand, is a commercial and residential settlement formed by political, economic, transportation and other factors, showing a completely different look from most traditional villages and towns in Huizhou, and is an outstanding representative of Huizhou's commercial transportation culture and technology in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Wan 'an ancient town is a perfect combination of material space form and ideology from site selection, layout, architecture and decoration to customs, products and customs, and has the following characteristics:

1. Under the guidance of the traditional geomantic theory of "harmony between man and nature", the site selection and layout strive for harmony between man and the natural environment. Pay attention to the landscape of "mountains, towers, rivers and bridges" and pursue the landscape of "small bridges, flowing water and people". As a typical water town in southern Anhui, the world, people and environment develop in parallel with Hengjiang.

2. The architectural style layout of Wan 'an Ancient Street, and the street space is fishbone-shaped. A main street, perpendicular to the main street, with more than 10 alleys in the north-south direction, and the alleys in the south play a traffic function connecting the front street and the back river. The alley in the north plays the role of entering residential areas.

3. Standardize people's thoughts, behaviors and moral standards with the concept of "Zhu Chengxin Confucianism" of traditional Confucianism. Respect for Confucius and education, pay attention to the construction of cultural facilities, and have a strong cultural atmosphere.

4. The building structure is mainly brick, wood and stone, emphasizing practicality. Housing construction embodies the commercial characteristics of the ancient town.

5. Waterway wharf is an important characteristic element of Wan 'an ancient town, and it is a witness to the history of water transportation in the upper reaches of 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.