China Stamps - 2004-13, Scott 3366-9 Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - MNH, F-VF - (93366)

China Stamps - 2004-13, Scott 3366-9 Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - MNH, F-VF : There are around 100 ancient villages scattered in the beautiful landscape of green mountains and racing streams in southern Anhui Province. These villages embrace many elegant ancient houses with exquisite carvings. Yixian County alone has about 3,600 of them, which is the most in southern Anhui. The Xidi and Hongcun villages have been inscribed on the World Heritage List by the UNESCO In the Xidi Village surrounded by hills, there are more than 120 ancient houses, picturesque streets and a stream running by. The Ming-dynasty Virtue Arch devoted to Hu Wenguang standing at the entrance of the village is the landmark of the village. The Hongcun Village, first built in the Song Dynasty, is laid out in the shape of cattle. With over 130 ancient houses, the village naturally blends into the exquisite landscape, known as a "village in traditional Chinese painting".