Short Photo Stories

Hidden around the hills there it is, the forgotten land called Cuandixia. Driving northwest from Beijing, towards Mongolian border in the Jingxi mountain you can find this place frozen in time. 

Cuandixia, founded during the Ming Dynasty, is a classic feng shui walled village, designed to keep out wandering spirits. The village is one of the last stops on the ancient silk road into Beijing. With it’s network of stone paved stairways, courtyard homes layer up the side of the mountain linked one with another, each with traditional outside stove, this little place creates imaginary atmosphere.

Cuandixia is one of those amazing places to visit if you want to go beyond the “must – see” list while driving around northern China.  

If you look for stepping back in time, this place is for you.    

Words and photographs by Renata Blonska