Daliangjiang is considered the most beautiful of the ancient villages near Shijiazhuang of Hebei province. [File photo]

Daliangjiang is considered the most beautiful of these seven ancient villages. The village's charm derives both from its ancient architectural scale and layout. It presents a scenario one would expect of a north Chinese village – squawking chickens, yapping dogs, smoking chimneys, seniors basking in the sun as they chat, and children play-acting fights on the old theater stage.

At the village entrance – an arched doorway–stands a stele dating from the reign of Qing Dynasty Emperor Yongzheng. The village gate was originally intended to be its tallest structure, but as the Daliangjiang village gate is at the foot of mountain, stone houses gradually ascend on the mountain slopes above it, giving the impression that the village stands on its walls.

This village has a long history, as the polished cobblestones on its winding streets, trodden and ridden for centuries, testify. The theater stage is also of stone and includes a small arched door that gives access to the backstage area.

The residence of a top imperial military examination scholar, which includes several interconnecting courtyards, is open to visitors. Unfortunately it was closed while I was there.

Each of these houses on the mountainside is higher than the last, creating a cascade effect. From the yard of one house is a plain view of the roof of the neighbor below.