Dunchun village, historically hailed as the top village in Shanxi province, is located in the city of Xinzhou, Shanxi province. It is not only famous for hot springs, but also for two historical celebrities, Fu Shan and Diao Chan, one of the Four Beauties in ancient China.

Dunchun village [Photo/sxrb.com]

Dunchun village eight kilometers away from downtown Xinzhou, has Mount Jinshan to north and Mount Yinshan in the west. Thanks to a national highway to its east and an expressway in the west, transportation to the village is very convenient.

The village’s hot springs maintain a constant temperature of 50 degrees centigrade and have mineral-rich springs, containing radon, fluorine, silicate and ten other minerals.

Two of the most well-known villagers were Diao Chan and Fu Shan.

Diao Chan lived in the Three Kingdoms Period (AD 220-280) and was one of the Four Beauties of ancient China, together with Xi Shi (Spring and Autum Period, 770-476 BC), Wang Zhaojun (Western Han Dynasty, 206BC – AD24) and Yang Yuhuan (Tang Dynasty, AD618-907). Besides incredible beauty, Diao Chan was also celebrated for being royal and righteous, and all these virtues have been praised by posterity.

Former residence of Fu Shan in Dunchun village. [Photo/sxrb.com]

Fu Shan (1607~1684) was a versatile person in the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, proficient in literature, painting, calligraphy, and medicine. Surrounded by plants and ancient architecture, the cultural park focusing on Fu Shan’s former residence covers about 3.33 hectares and has a forest of steles, a memorial hall, and a farming exhibit.