A Ten-Minute Drive from the County: Another Free Rural Scenic Spot Opens in Xin'an County, Henan

Backed by Yushan Mountain and facing the Jian River, the ancient village—with its history, stories, and distinctive features, along with a network of underground earth kiln caves featuring interlocking chambers of different sizes—now constitutes the Tugudong Scenic Area in Tiemen Town, Xin'an County. Besides local Xin'an natives, many merchants from nearby villages and towns gather here from all corners of Luoyang.

Compared to the city, the rural architecture here appears somewhat worn, but basic living needs are met. Let's step into the Tugudong Scenic Area to explore the everyday life and warmth of this traditional ancient village.

Speaking of Longtan Grand Canyon, friends from Luoyang are certainly familiar with it, but many may never have heard of the Tugudong Scenic Area. It is located 7 kilometers southwest of Xin'an County seat and 35 kilometers east of Luoyang. The village contains an underground earth kiln cave over 100 meters deep with interconnected chambers of various sizes, also called Tugudong (Earth Kiln Cave), from which the village takes its name.

According to a local elder, starting in 1995, the village of Tugudong took a collective path to prosperity, rapidly growing its collective economy and benefiting the villagers, earning it the nickname "Nan Street Village" of Luoyang. Tugudong is also the only socialist new village in Luoyang that adheres to Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought and pursues a collective path to common prosperity. Red slogans are ubiquitous, reflecting a strong red cultural heritage.

Today, Tugudong can be considered one of the older ancient villages in the Xin'an area. Time has not only changed people's faces but also transformed the village's appearance. Though not as famous as Longtan Grand Canyon or Longmen Grottoes, it leaves a deep impression on visitors.

Viewed from afar, Tugudong Village is built against the mountain and is now divided into the old village and the new village. The village preserves 40 cave-courtyard residences from the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. It has been designated a provincial-level historical and cultural village and a provincial-level scenic tourism village. In 2018, it was included in the national list of traditional villages.

The old village is notable for the He Family Courtyard built in the Qing Dynasty, the Chen Family Courtyard and the Shao Family Courtyard, both over 100 years old. These three courtyards all have cave dwellings as the main rooms. The style of each residence is largely consistent—the west side features earth kiln caves carved into the hillside, warm in winter and cool in summer; in front of the caves are north-south symmetrical wing rooms, with walls made of adobe, stone, or blue brick; the frontmost is the entrance hall, forming a traditional siheyuan (courtyard) layout.

Besides the ancient village, Tugudong's most distinctive feature is the Thousand-Year-Old Cave. When it was built and for what purpose remain a mystery to villagers and historians alike. This has sparked various speculations about its use; some believe it might be a hidden military cave, and thus it is also called the Han Hidden Military Cave Scenic Area.

The underground ancient cave within the Han Hidden Military Cave Scenic Area is 1,800 meters long. The cave is warm in winter and cool in summer, with a constant temperature of around 24°C. The space is relatively narrow, but LED strips are installed, making it easy to see. Inside the tunnels are multiple earth kiln rooms that can serve as living quarters, along with small granaries, kitchens, and small hidden niches that once concealed weapons.

Currently, the Tugudong Scenic Area leverages its unique natural and cultural resources, following a four-in-one integrated planning concept: going up the mountain (Yushan), going down to water (hot springs), entering the cave (hidden military cave), and purifying the mind (experiencing red culture). It has been developed into a comprehensive scenic spot integrating tourism, leisure, red culture, ancient military culture, and folk culture.

During holidays and festivals, the area hosts lion dance performances and annual fairs that have been absent for years, allowing visitors to experience the long-missed festive atmosphere. Those interested are welcome to visit this traditional ancient village during the winter season.