Development and Evolution of Ancient Villages and Formation of “Yi” Style in Huizhou

Huizhou ancient village is the most direct material carrier and visual landscape of Huizhou culture. For thousands of years, its development has always been accompanied by the style of "Yi":it formed during the escape from Jin Dynasty to Southern Song Dynasty, developed in seclusion from Southern Song Dynasty to early Ming Dynasty, flourished during the elegant period from the middle of the Ming Dynasty to the middle of the Qing Dynasty, declined in the downfall since the late Qing Dynasty, and regenerated in leisure since the reform and opening up. Such a "Yi" characteristic has also created today's reputation image of Huizhou ancient villages:born in mountains and rivers, developing in humanities, prospering in Huizhou merchants, experiencing vicissitudes of life and being as beautiful as poetry and paintings.