Shandong employs ancient villages to tell tales of rural China

East China's Shandong province is trying to attract more tourists from home and abroad by using its ancient villages to tell vivid stories of rural China.

In the county-level city of Zhaoyuan, the local government of Zhangxing town is using the centuries-old village of Xujia, the birthplace of Longkou vermicelli cuisine, to promote tourism and boost rural living standards.

A Moroccan visitor, Aimma, recently toured the 500-year-old village, experiencing the best-preserved ancient village scenery in the Jiaodong region.

According to villager Xu Yongpu, Xujia is famous throughout China as an example of a well-preserved traditional village. The settlement boasts well-arranged ancient architectural complexes, the most noteworthy of which is the Xu Tianhua Courtyard.

Blending the architectural styles of Beijing and Jiaodong regions, this courtyard features exquisite stone carvings and wooden structures, with upturned eaves and elaborate brackets embodying timeless charm, said Xu.

During her tour, Aimma admired the delicate craftsmanship of traditional Chinese architecture, showing a keen interest in its unique artistic value. She said that she was impressed by both the food and the architecture in Xujia.

During the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Xu Dengyong established the Fu Ju Hao vermicelli workshop in the village, which would later become famous.