Nuanquan town literally means "warm spring", and refers to a river that runs through it and never freezes, even in winter. Located in the western part of Yuxian, Nuanquan is thought to have been inhabited up to 20,000 years ago. It is the only Historical and Cultural Town in Hebei province, as designated by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. Most of its well-preserved courtyards were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). [China.org.cn]