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Explore the tranquil village environment, walk through the lush rice fields, and enjoy the local architecture. Visit traditional temples, engage with local artisans, and hike nearby hills for panoramic views.
Shibi Village is located west of Ninghua County, Sanming City, Fujian Province, at the eastern foot of Mount Wuyi, on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi. It is 25 kilometers from the county seat and is now an administrative village of Hekou Township (renamed Shibi Town in 1993). The area is situated in a relatively open basin, historically lushly forested. From a distance, it resembled a green barrier, hence the name Jade Screen. In the mid-Tang Dynasty, the name was changed to "Shibi," then to "Bi" during the Five Dynasties, and finally to "Bi" as it is today. The ancient name "Shibi" referred to both the village and the area, encompassing the surrounding villages. Shibi served as a central hub and a synonym for these areas.
Shibi Village in Ninghua is a renowned Hakka ancestral homeland. According to the He Clan Genealogy, He Ziyuan, a veteran of the 1911 Revolution and a founder of modern education in China, migrated south from Shibi in Ninghua to Meizhou. He is the 19th-generation descendant of the He family's founding ancestor, Niansilang (Yuanmei). Since the Tang and Song dynasties, descendants of the He family, who have lived in Chaozhou and Meizhou for generations, along with representatives of other Hakka families, have journeyed across mountains and rivers to their ancestral homeland of Shibi during the Qingming and Double Ninth Festivals. This grand occasion is unprecedented.
"To the north is a large locust tree, and to the south is Shibi Village." Ninghua Shibi is the cradle and ancestral home of the Hakka people. Shibi is an administrative village in Shibi Town, Ninghua County. It is located in the western corner of Ninghua, adjacent to Shicheng County, Jiangxi Province, 22 kilometers from the county seat, and next to the Fuwu Line (from Fuzhou to Wuliting on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi). The names "Shibi Cave," "Shibi Village," "Shibi Liao," and "Shibi City" mentioned in historical materials are merely local concepts, referring to a region, namely the Shibi Basin, with a total area of nearly 200 square kilometers, including the entire present-day Shibi Town and Huaitu Township, as well as parts of Fangtian and Jicun Townships. Shibi Village is located in the center of this area and was historically the political, economic, and cultural center of the region.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
Hakka Temple, a Hakka ancestral temple.
It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Shibi Village is known for its well-preserved traditional Fujian architecture and its historical importance in local agriculture and cultural practices. The village showcases the rustic beauty of rural life and offers a window into traditional Chinese village life.
Shibi Village is located in Sanming, Fujian. The most convenient way to reach the village is by taxi or private car from the nearby city center. Bus services are also available, though they may require some walking to the village itself.
The village is open year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best weather. Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded compared to weekends.
The entrance fee is typically around 20-30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance; there is no need to book tickets online.
Advance booking is generally not required unless visiting during peak seasons or holidays. You can buy tickets on-site when you arrive.
Exploring the village thoroughly will take about 2-3 hours, including walking the trails and visiting the key attractions like temples and rice fields.
Highlights include the traditional Fujian architecture, the serene rice fields, local temples, and the surrounding natural landscapes. Don’t miss the village’s ancestral halls.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some English-speaking guides may be available during peak seasons. Audio guides are also offered in both Chinese and English.
The best spots for photography include the rice terraces, the traditional village streets, and the natural vistas from nearby hills. Sunrise and sunset provide excellent lighting for photos.
Start by exploring the village’s central areas, then visit the temples and ancestral halls. Next, head to the rice fields for a scenic walk and finish with a hike up the nearby hill for panoramic views.
There are no night visits or light shows at Shibi Village. It’s best to visit during daylight hours to fully experience the village’s charm.
The village can be crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially mornings.
There are basic facilities like public toilets, food stalls, and small shops offering local products. Rest areas are available for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Shibi Village’s terrain is uneven, which may make it difficult for elderly or disabled visitors to navigate. However, it is generally accessible for children and those who can walk moderate distances.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are increasingly common. Credit card usage is limited in the village.
Local eateries serve traditional Fujian cuisine. For more dining options, the city center of Sanming offers a wider variety of restaurants.
Vegetarian food is available, and some restaurants may offer options for vegan diets. Halal food options may be limited, so it’s best to check in advance or travel to a nearby larger city for more choices.
There are a few guesthouses and smaller hotels in the village and nearby towns, but for more comfort and luxury options, accommodations in Sanming city are ideal.
Nearby attractions include the Fuzhou Ancient City and Yushan Mountain Scenic Area. Both are great options to combine with Shibi Village in a day trip.
Small souvenir shops sell local handicrafts such as traditional pottery, handmade woven items, and Fujian-style tea.
Taxis or buses are the best way to return to Sanming, from where you can continue your journey to other parts of Fujian via high-speed train or bus.
