Linjia Pai Ancient Village in Yichang, Hunan

The villagers of Linjia Pai don't have the surname Lin, but Zhang. They originated from Mantang Village in Tiantang, Yichang. According to legend, their ancestor Zhang Xisheng was born in Chaling. His grandfather Zhang Cun'an was the magistrate of Chaling, and his father Zhang Guangzu was a county student. Born into an official family, Zhang Xisheng was brave from a young age, joined the military, and was appointed as a banner soldier. During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, he was dispatched to Chenzhou, where he earned military honors. In the fourth year of Yongle (1406), Zhang Xisheng and his three sons were transferred to Yichang, stationed at Bali Fort to patrol Mount Mang. Due to his achievements in suppressing bandits, his sons inherited his military position. The eldest son, Zhang Xianzong, settled in Mantang and established the family foundation. As the saying goes, "You brought fame with your sons, and your legacy continues through your grandsons." Later, Zhang Xianzong's descendants spread to various places, with one branch arriving at Linjia Pai. The village's overall layout follows the principles of "sitting on the solid, facing the void" and "water as the dragon." The stream around the village winds and curves, with clear water entry and exit points, like a jade belt encircling the village. In front of the ancestral hall gate are three connected ponds. The fields ahead feature landscapes such as "Three Table Desks, Sharing One Inkstone" and the Longevity Valley's "Long Eyebrows Add Longevity." Within a ten-mile radius, "the climate is mild, the soil is fertile, and produce is abundant." The Zhang ancestors, adhering to the concept of harmony between humans and nature, advocated a family tradition of enjoying nature and balancing farming with scholarly pursuits. Although new houses have been built in the village, creating some disorder, the ancient village layout is still discernible with four rows and four columns, clear alleyways, and an orderly structure. While there are few grand mansions, the buildings are neatly arranged with upturned eaves, carved beams and painted rafters, and colorful wall decorations, all crafted with exquisite elegance. The wall decorations often feature plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, reflecting the Zhang ancestors' pursuit of noble character, elegant taste, humility in dealing with others, resilience against adversity, and steadfast perseverance. It is listed as part of the fifth batch of China's Traditional Villages.