Nearby Shexian County, a village called Tangmo
is another typical spot to explore the Huizhou dwellings culture.
It
is a unique village of tranquility and inspiration. The age-old pavilions
at its entrance, the old trees, the memorial arches and a tranquil river
cut through it, all present an amicable earthly paradise that brings
man into harmony with nature. The residential houses in the village
were built in the earlier Qing and were a microcosm of the charming
scenery of the West Lake (a picturesque spot in Hangzhou).
An octagonal tri-eaved pavilion at the entrance to the village is of
typical ancient style. Several minutes westwards is a memorial arch,
which presents the grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship of artisans.
Tan'ganyuan
Garden in Tangmo is a must for each visitor. Right beside the entrance,
a pair of tablets have fancy inscriptions, which recorded the building
of the garden. A cobble pavement extends forwards to a great hall. The
spirit tablets of two Qing officials are enshrined. After several minutes
walk, the "Quegao Jingshe - the grand main hall in the garden, exhibits
fancy bonsai. A long corridor zigzags through the central yard about
one hundred meters. Further to north is another pavilion named "Jing
Ting (Mirror Pavilion)." On the marble parapets, pictures were engraved
in relief. Also in the garden, inscriptions of the noted calligraphists
lure many lovers of oriental culture.