Ancestors honored in ancient village

Among the ancient villages that still exist in China, the one in Longhu township of Chaozhou, Guangdong province, is unique because of two special ancestors' temples.

One is believed to be the first such temple dedicated to a woman. Wealthy businessman Huang Zuoyu built it for his mother during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722), because her mother's name could not be included in the family's temple because of her humble origins, said Wu Fuchang, a native of the village and an executive of Longhu Ancient Village Tourism Development Co.

The temple covers an area of 980 square meters.

Another ancestor's temple in the village is believed to be the only one in the country built for a teacher.

Eight people from seven families jointly financed the construction of the temple for their teacher Wang Tongchu, who taught them during the reign of Emperor Wanli (1563-1620). Wang died without offspring.

Longhu ancient village was once a seaport. It boomed during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and reached its peak during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Measuring 1.5 square kilometers, the village has a main street, another three streets and six alleys, with ancient courtyard houses, ancestors' temples and studies lining the paths.