The Mingxi and Anxi Streams of Songxi Ancient Village

Songxi is an upstream section of the Puyang River, and the ancient village is named after the stream that flows through it. There are two streams beside the village, one is the Mingxi Stream (Front Stream) and the other is the Anxi Stream (Back Stream). The Mingxi Stream (Front Stream) is visible on the ground, with clear water and many small fish. There are shops, tea houses, and residences on both sides, and the environment is quiet. The Anxi Stream (Back Stream) is an artificial underground river covered with arch technology. The entire stream is covered with limestone culverts, with only water intakes in residential areas, and the rest is hidden in the culverts, forming a unique landscape. These two streams converge under the bridge pavilion at the entrance of the village (Figure 1), and the Mingxi and Anxi Streams reflect each other, forming the unique natural landscape of Songxi Ancient Village. The Mingxi Stream is about 4 to 5 meters wide, with stone blocks on both sides, and the houses are built on the banks, creating a quiet and harmonious environment. The Anxi Stream is completely hidden in the underground river, forming a mysterious and unique beauty.