Two ancient villages – located in Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province – have won national awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the protection and utilization of ancient villages and towns.

That's according to a recent evaluation meeting held in China's Southwest Sichuan province.

They are Daji town in Lishui's Jingning She autonomous county and Xiyang village in Lishui's Qingyuan county.

The assessment was jointly organized by the China Cultural Relics Academy, China Cultural Relics News and the Architecture and Culture Society of China.

Daji town has a wealth of cultural relics and historic sites to see. [Photo/WeChat account: ls-mnews]

Daji town offers visitors an abundance of cultural relics and historic sites. Among them, Shisi Temple and Huguan Bridge are national key cultural relics protection units. Daji was listed in the first batch of traditional Chinese villages and it was on Zhejiang province's list of historical and cultural ancient villages.

This place has always been rich in talented people and it produced nine jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and 23 juren (successful candidates in provincial examinations) in the Song (960-1279), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Lanxi Bridge is the largest single-span wooden arch bridge in China. [Photo/WeChat account: ls-mnews]

Xiyang village is a mountain village with a strong cultural flavor. The Xiyang Temple in the village is dedicated to the memory of Wu Sangong, who a thousand years or so ago was instrumental in developing shiitake mushrooms. Next to the temple is an ancient corridor bridge – Lanxi Bridge – which is the largest single-span wooden arch bridge in China.

In the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), Wu Sangong brought shiitake mushroom cultivation skills to Xiyang village. Today it has become a major way for villagers to increase their incomes.