Stone Village in Tianjin: Xijingyu's historic and modern appeal

Nestled in northern China's Tianjin, Xijingyu Village – a national-level historic and cultural settlement – is defined by its deep connection to stone: it stands on stone, is built with stone, and is filled with stone.  

Perched atop a stone mountain, the village is dotted with houses, walls and stone paths made from shale, dolomite and other rocks formed hundreds of millions of years ago, earning it the nickname, the "Stone Village."

Today, stone-built houses make up roughly two-thirds of the village's existing structures. Most of these are old buildings dating back to the late Qing Dynasty (late 19th to early 20th century), which remain well-preserved and concentrated in layout. The village's overall environment still retains the original style it had when it was first established.

In recent years, Xijingyu has stepped up efforts to highlight its unique features. Drawing on its own characteristics and historical relics, the village has restored traditional handicraft workshops, covering shadow puppetry, straw weaving, embroidery, clay sculpture, and other traditional crafts. Its distinctive stone landscape and rich folk customs have attracted numerous photographers from Beijing and Tianjin, making it a well-known photography destination in the region.