It is said that the name of Shicang comes from a legend: there is a huge cave on the mountain here, and rice flows out every day, becoming a local rice barn; Later generations broke holes because of greed, and no longer gave up rice, but flowed out of stones to become stone warehouses. For more than 1000 years, the name Shicang has been used to this day, but Shicang people have never forgotten the story of rice warehouses changing into stone warehouses for generations. Although it is a legend, it is a metaphor for not being greedy.
On the mountain road to Shicangyuan, you will find that the scenery here is slightly different from that of Chenjiapu and Yangjiatang. Chenjiapu and Yangjiatang are at the top of the mountain and halfway up the mountain, overlooking the magnificent scenery in the mountain. Shicang is at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by green mountains and green waters, and you can feel the tranquility of Qingyuan in the mountains.
Not far from the entrance to the village, we parked our car in a small farmhouse on the side of the road and walked on foot. There are local residents on both sides of the mountain road: some have been converted into simple restaurants, some have locked doors, and some look shabby, even if they are idle, it is useless. But you can see that there will be a sign on the door of every household that says your own family instructions.
After walking about 500 meters, we came to the ancient houses in Shicang. There is also a tourist reception desk at the entrance. From here, I learned that there are dozens of well-preserved courtyards in the village, which are listed as provincial historical and cultural protection areas, attracting many tourists from all over the world.
Most of the residential buildings here are mud walls and blue tiles, and the horse head wall is very high. Because the terrain is on the hillside with the back water, it can keep out the cold in winter and enjoy the cool in summer, and the gentle slope can also avoid floods.
When you walk into every gatehouse, you should pay close attention to the birds and animals carved on the doorbars, which are lifelike and have their own meanings. Every mansion has a hall number, such as Huaide Hall and Guangyu Hall. From these plaques, we can see that calligraphers have profound calligraphy skills.
Continue to walk along the bluestone path to the depths of the village. Along the way, the hens and puppies in Doby Village are filled with peace and tranquility here, and gradually feel the artistic conception of walking around.
When I entered the "castle", I realized that it was a museum, and it was not an antique cultural relic, but a contract document.
The unique sense of space, intermittent spray, contrast between light and shade, and the echo of gurgling water drops in the empty stone hall all bring people wonderful sensory experience.
Has this spirit of contract been gradually forgotten in modern times? This question has been stuck in my mind.
In my eyes, the beauty of Shicang is different from other ancient villages. In addition to simplicity and elegance, it is more heavy. Is it from the family instructions on those doorplates or the documents in the museum? Maybe both, I think.