Linjiazhai: A village linking the past and the present

Surrounded by lush mountains, the small village of Linjiazhai in Tengchong, southwest China’s Yunnan province is peaceful and tranquil while retaining the glory of the ancient Silk Road.

Built in the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644), Linjiazhai has a history of more than 550 years. The Southern Silk Road that connected China with Myanmar, India and other countries went through the village. Even today, marks of the horseshoes left by caravans are still clear and distinct on the slab road in Linjiazhai.

When Tengchong enjoyed its heyday in business and trade from 1910s to 1940s, Linjiazhai boasted a vast number of caravans. After accumulating wealth through trade along the Silk Road, the caravans contributed to the construction of the village. And some 100 villagers had settled in Myanmar, the United States and other countries.

Today, the ancient architectures of Linjiazhai are still well preserved. Famous director Peter Chan described Linjiazhai as a mountain city in Italy which has layers of connected roofs as well as an ideal place for Kongfu movies. Since he shot his movie “Wu Xia” here, Linjiazhai has attracted an increasing number of movie crews, film fans and tourists.

Editor: Wang Shixue