The construction of ancient stone buildings in Benzhai village has its roots in the “station farm system”, which was introduced by the Ming Dynasty help towns defend themselves from bandits and uprisings. Under this system, each courtyard home served as its own military unit. [Photo/Xinhua]

The patios of the courtyard homes in Benzhai village are a typical example of Huizhou-style architecture, a traditional Chinese architectural style. [Photo/Xinhua]