Xikeng village in Zhejiang is enveloped in a veil of mist.[Photo/China Daily]

According to Pu, in choosing the 20 cases for the book, the research team tried to have much geographical diversity, "so as to include unique villages with prominent characteristics that best represent the regional culture in different places".

The 20 villages are scattered across 12 provinces and municipalities, including Hebei, Shanxi, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong provinces, the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, Beijing and Chongqing.

One of the ancient villages that impressed Pu the most is Hougou in Shanxi.

The village is well preserved, and in terms of a general layout, it strictly follows the rules of feng shui. Formed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the village has many Taoist and Buddhist temples with stone tablets.

The architectural style, similar to those of cave dwellers', is typical of the village.

"The drainage system built in ancient times is used even today. People still make a lot of cloth products by hand, such as pads for shoes and stuffed toys," Pu says.

Chinese civilization is rooted in rural life. Folklore, tangible and intangible cultural heritage were all born in the villages, she adds.

"If the ancient villages vanish, their cultural heritage will be gone. That will be a tremendous pity for our country. That's why we are trying to collect as much information about them as possible."

Contact the writer at yangyangs@chinadaily.com.cn