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The ancient Dongshi Village, with its rich history, is located on the north bank of Longjiang'ao (Dongshi Port), in the western corner of the town. Anciently known as "Shejia Village," it was the residence of the She clan chieftains from central Fujian who migrated south during the Jianwu reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (25-27). During the Five Barbarians' Invasion of China, Minister Lin (his real name was Kaiji, and his pseudonym was Xishan) of Luoyang, Henan, fled the war with a group of his clansmen, migrating south by water along the coast and settling east of the village. The place name "Dongshi" was thus derived, and "Shejia Village" was renamed "Dongshi Village." In the first year of the Kaihuang reign of the Sui Dynasty (581), Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty sent envoys to develop Yizhou (Taiwan) and stationed troops there. "Xishan Magazine" called this the beginning of the garrison in Quannan. It was known as the "River Defense Fortress."
In the sixth year of the Taiping Xingguo reign of the Song Dynasty (981), Emperor Taizong ordered the repair of city walls and fortifications throughout the country. Dongshizhai was heavily renovated with government funds. The wall had a circumference of 192 zhang, a base width of 1 zhang, and a height of 1 zhang 5 chi. Horses could run on the stone walls.
In the late Ming Dynasty, the national hero Zheng Chenggong set up camp in Dongguzhai to fight against the Qing Dynasty and recover Taiwan. He also built "Guosheng City" in Baisha Village. He recruited the "Five Tigers" and established nine camps, using the village as a base for military training, military exercises, and the collection of grain and funds. The over 300-square-meter platform atop the village served as Zheng Chenggong's command post for naval exercises.
Zheng Chenggong praised the selfless support of the people of Dongshi in a poem. One of the poems reads, "Bingyuan donated millions to supply the army, his heart unwavering; I also praise the two elders, Cen and Yang, who, despite their poverty, were willing to help with even a single cow." Zheng Chenggong personally inscribed the characters "loyalty" (loyalty) on a large rock to inspire his troops. Today, this powerful, intaglio inscription still remains on the cliff face of the ancient village, complementing the horizontal plaque "Dijing" (Dijing) written by Zeng Shu, a disciple of Zhu Xi (a Jinshi in the Chunxi reign of the Song Dynasty).
Dongshi Ancient Village, located west of Dongshi Town in Jinjiang, borders the Longjiang River and boasts a subtropical monsoon climate. With nearly 2,000 years of history, it's a popular destination for travelers in all seasons.
Connected to Dongshizhai is the Buddhist holy land of Dajue Temple. According to Xishan Magazine, Dongshizhai was originally a Shejia village in central Fujian during the Spring and Autumn Period. It was rebuilt in the first year of the Kaihuang reign of the Sui Dynasty (581 AD) and then renovated in the sixth year of the Taipingxingguo reign of the Song Dynasty (981 AD). It now covers an area of over 30 mu (approximately 16 acres). The fortress wall is 20 feet high and over 10 feet wide. There are round arch gates in the northeast and northwest, and battlemented towers on the fortress wall. Throughout the dynasties, it has housed commanders, lieutenants, and generals.
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Dongshi Ancient Village is one of the best-preserved traditional villages in Fujian, known for its well-preserved architecture, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and traditions of ancient Chinese villages.
Dongshi Ancient Village is located in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. You can reach it by taxi or bus from the city center of Quanzhou. There are no metro stations in the immediate vicinity, so taxis and local buses are the most convenient options.
The village is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild, avoiding public holidays when the village can be crowded.
Entrance to Dongshi Ancient Village is usually free; however, some attractions or museums within the village may charge a small fee for entry. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket counter.
Tickets do not need to be booked in advance for general entry. However, for special events or group tours, it’s recommended to book tickets a few days in advance.
Exploring Dongshi Ancient Village thoroughly will take about 2-3 hours, allowing time for a leisurely walk through the village, visits to landmarks, and stops for food or rest.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tours may offer translation services. Audio guides are not commonly available, but local guides can be hired for a more personalized experience.
Start at the village entrance and explore the main streets and alleys. Visit the museum to learn about the history, then head to the temples and other significant landmarks. Finish by relaxing in one of the local cafes or eateries.
Night visits are generally not available. However, certain special cultural tours or performances may be scheduled during festivals or holidays. It’s best to check with the local tourism office for any special events.
The village is generally quiet during weekdays and off-peak seasons. It can get crowded during public holidays or weekends, so visiting during weekdays, especially in the early mornings, is recommended for a peaceful experience.
The village has basic amenities like public toilets and rest areas. Small food stalls and cafes serve local snacks and beverages. There are also a few shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs.
The village has some accessible paths for elderly or disabled visitors, but the cobbled streets and uneven terrain may pose challenges. Children will find the village safe and fun to explore, especially with its open spaces and scenic spots.
Cash is still widely used in Dongshi Ancient Village, although some places may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Credit cards are not commonly accepted, especially at local stalls.
There are several small restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the village that serve traditional Fujianese cuisine, including seafood, noodles, and dumplings.
Vegetarian and vegan options can be found at local restaurants, especially in dishes made with tofu and vegetables. Halal food is less common in this area, but it may be available in larger towns or cities nearby.
There are several hotels in Quanzhou city, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Some local guesthouses and inns near the village provide a more traditional and immersive experience.
Souvenir shops in Dongshi Ancient Village offer traditional handicrafts such as local pottery, bamboo products, and wooden carvings. Local snacks and teas are also popular purchases.
