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Da’nanpo Village, Henan: Architectural beauty in rural settings

河南大南坡：建筑里的乡村美学

Rural architecture serves as a vital expres- made by the village children,” said Zhao Shi-
sion of rural culture. In recent years, there has ying, a villager in his 30s. On the walls of the
been a growing presence of outstanding rural exhibition area, children have used colorful
designs that are simple and understated, yet markers to write, “Welcome to Da’nanpo
warm and authentic. These structures reflect Happy House.”
the unique vitality of the countryside and With the support of the rural construction
showcase the charming characteristics of the team, the Huaibang Opera Troupe, which
local community. had been disbanded for over 40 years, has
Da’nanpo Village in Xiuwu County, Henan resumed performances, bringing renewed
Province, once thrived due to its rich coal re- energy to the village’s elders. Today, vari-
sources. But what happens to the village once ous musical activities frequently take place
these resources are depleted? In 2016, Xiuwu on Da’nanpo’s theatrical stage, aptly named
County initiated efforts to develop “county “Enlivening Da’nanpo Again.” On a sum-
aesthetics.” This initiative aimed to integrate mer night, a rock band performed alongside
local historical and cultural resources, leading the Huaibang Opera Troupe, creating a
to the creation of the Da’nanpo Plan. harmonious blend of modern and traditional
In 2019, Da’nanpo Village embarked on a music. “It’s a common occurrence,” said
comprehensive revival, revitalizing both its Zhao Seqing, a villager in his 60s, who
architecture and rural culture. A key compo- finds the vibrant cultural life of Da’nanpo to
nent of the Da’nanpo Plan is the creation of be a familiar sight.
architectural landscapes. The public building A weed-infested patch of land at the vil-
complex, constructed in the 1970s, features lage entrance has been transformed into a
three courtyards across varying terrain levels beloved amusement park for children. Ms.
and includes offices, granaries, and supply and Li, a visitor from Jiaozuo City, stood in the
marketing cooperatives. Following renovation shade, occasionally reminding her daughter,
by the rural construction team, the main court- who was playing in the park, to be careful.
yard now serves as the primary entrance to the “This place is unlike other villages—there are
complex, housing the Da’nanpo Art Center, bookstores, an art center, and exhibition halls,
Tea Room, and Rural Cultural Space. The all seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of
elevated courtyard accommodates the Com- the villagers. It’s a genuine, comfortable, and
munity Building Center and the village office vibrant place,” she remarked.
space, while the sunken courtyard includes Today’s Da’nanpo is a harmonious blend of
the Bishan Supply and Marketing Cooperative elegance and everyday life. On one side, there
(Jiaozuo branch), a village canteen, and a the- are bountiful vegetable gardens, while on the
atrical stage. other stands the Da’nanpo Art Center, which
An abandoned stage has been transformed showcases rural aesthetics, alongside a cultural
into a comprehensive bookstore where staff bookstore infused with the rich scent of books
display sample pages from each book for vil- and charming countryside guesthouses nestled
lagers to browse. “We’ve created a children’s in bamboo groves. The once-quiet village now
reading area and a small indoor exhibition vibrates with continuous vitality and life.
space to showcase the drawings and crafts