Awesome My Village | The Novel Combination of 'Century-Old Courtyard' and 'Super Strawberries' – Only Your Visit Can Bring It to Life

Here in northwestern Hubei lies the most intact and largest stone-built village. The oldest house has stood for over a century and is listed in the Traditional Chinese Village Directory. Haoping Village in Haoping Town (also known as Tiepagon Village) is a settlement almost entirely constructed of stacked stones—stone walls, stone steps, stone paths are everywhere. It is a true stone-house village. The entire village retains the distinct characteristics of ancient southern architecture: sloping roofs, courtyard houses, and open-air patios, and it has been inscribed in the Traditional Chinese Village Directory. The oldest house here has a history of a hundred years, while the best-preserved one sits in the middle of the village. It has a high gate and deep courtyard, thick stone walls, and a solemn, ancient gatehouse adorned with a Song dynasty official hat design. On the high, upturned eaves on either side, one side features a dragon motif, the other a fish—seemingly symbolizing 'a carp leaping over the dragon gate.' The inscription on the gate, 'Rui Ning Tian Lu' (auspicious blessings from heaven), reflects the owner's good wishes and highlights the family's former aspirations and status. Though many old houses in the village have collapsed into ruins, gazing at the tiles and bricks on the roofs brings an indescribable peace and comfort. Strolling through the village, watching the setting sun slip off the rooftops, you can almost hear the whispers of time passing by. When you touch the crumbling walls covered in moss and weeds, when you step on the weather-worn stone paths—these are the longings of so many wanderers. Let us together rediscover childhood memories and find solace for homesick hearts. From above, amidst the green fields encircled by mountains, neat rows of transparent strawberry greenhouses stretch out impressively. Now is the peak season for strawberries. Relying on its unique resources and local microclimate, Haoping Village has built a high-standard strawberry base. Empowering the industry with technology, it has opened a 'new track' and created a new path for rural revitalization. Step inside a strawberry greenhouse and you'll see a busy scene: villagers busily removing strawberry seedlings, ready to ship them by express to Shanghai, Shenyang, Hangzhou, Zhengzhou, and beyond. Don't underestimate this small strawberry—it was successfully selected for the 2022 National Popular Regional Public Strawberry Brand List, the only strawberry brand from Hubei Province to be included. With this 'national-level' title, the 'Haoping Strawberry' brand has truly become renowned nationwide. Bright red, plump, sweet and fragrant strawberries peek out from among the green leaves, gleaming with an irresistible luster. Picking strawberries in the greenhouse and taking a big bite, the pure juice instantly sweetens your heart. So set off now and put the 'sweetness of spring' into your mouth. From a century-old village to a demonstration base, from 'farming by hand' to 'smart farming'—on the vast land at the source of the South-to-North Water Diversion, the environment is becoming more beautiful, industries are enriching the people, and the good life of the villagers is unfolding. You don't have to choose between the moon and sixpence; clear waters and green mountains together with deep nostalgia for home don't have to be a dilemma either... Images provided by the village. This article is a public-interest travel promotion. For removal due to infringement, thank you. Re-reviewed by Zhang Wenjing and Wang Yan.