Longyan, a niche destination in Fujian, is the birthplace of Hakka people. What interesting places are there in Longyan?
Preface
When talking about Fujian, many people probably only think of Gulangyu Island in Xiamen. They know that Fuzhou is the provincial capital, but often overlook a city with an incredibly rich history - Longyan.
This is where the people from the Central Plains settled during the chaos of the Western Jin Dynasty, and the term "Hakka" took root. It's known as the "Western Gate of Fujian Province," "a National Historical and Cultural City," and "the spiritual birthplace of the world's Hakka capital."
Unlike Xiamen's emerging economy and overheated tourism development, Longyan's culture and history are well preserved. The alleys turning into street corners, the quiet stone pillars of ancestral halls, stone bridges, and stone statues, the whole city is brewing that rich culture.
There are no bustling tourists, only crystal clear streams, and the mossy brick alleys paved with bluestone slabs retain the ancient flavor similar to Tainan.
Changting Ancient City
Changting Ancient City is an ancient city located at the junction of western Fujian and Fujian and Jiangxi. The Dingjiang River, the "Hakka Mother River", flows through here under the ancient city wall. The river accompanies the city, which is poetic and picturesque.
As the former political center of western Fujian and a major commercial center where thousands of merchants gathered, it ruled the region and was renowned for its prestige. Although it has lost its former prosperity over the generations, it has left a deep mark of history.
Construction of Tingzhou's ancient city wall began in the fourth year of the Tang Dynasty. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, its total length reached over 4,000 meters, with nearly 1,500 meters remaining intact. The Ting River flows from north to south through the city, reflecting its rise and fall, creating a unique landscape of "a city within the mountains, a river within the city," a testament to Hakka history and culture.
The long Ting River flows through the city, with smoke rising from the houses on both sides. The ancient city walls from the Tang and Song dynasties still stand by the river, witnessing the ups and downs of this ancient city.
Diantou Street
Because the street is lined with shops on both sides, with shops in the front and houses in the back, it's called Diantou. Diantou Street stretches 466 meters north-south and boasts over 150 shops, including tofu shops, blacksmith shops, barber shops, and tailors, giving a glimpse into its former bustling and prosperous past.
Diantou Street, located between the most densely populated Nanmen Street and Wutong Street, is only 4 meters wide and 453 meters long, consisting of two neatly arranged rows of wooden buildings facing each other. The history of Diantou Street dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when small-scale commodity exchanges took place. During the Northern Song Dynasty, a market was established here, and during the Southern Song Dynasty, it developed into a street market. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Diantou Street, relying on Tingjiang River shipping, became a major commercial distribution center for Fujian, Guangdong, and Jiangxi.
The streets are lined with red lanterns, and strolling through them feels like walking through a long and elegant Tang Dynasty poem. Entering Diantou Street, you'll be greeted by alleyways lined with stone scriptures.
Wandering through the ancient streets and alleys, you can not only feel the ancient history and culture, but also the cute red lanterns and elegant umbrellas hanging in the alleys, which embellish the buildings with pink walls and black tiles like an ink painting.
Baxi Pavilion
Entering the Baxi Pavilion, you will find eight exhibition halls in this antique-style building, which display Hakka folk customs in the form of real objects, sculptures, reliefs, texts, patterns, etc., and there are also traditional performances for tourists to enjoy.
The Baxi Pavilion condenses the essence of Hakka culture, showcasing the folk customs of the Hakka people of western Fujian through the eight joyful events of a Hakka's life. Stepping through the door, a drama unfolds. This old stage has seen countless romantic stories and heroic tales, countless family affairs and shared emotions.
The Baxi Pavilion also displays the most distinctive folk activities such as the Spring Field Festival, the Hundred Pots Banquet, the Paper Dragon Lantern Festival, the Flower Lantern Festival, and the Ancient Stories Festival, showcasing the unique Hakka intangible cultural heritage of Changting County.
Former Site of the Soviet Government
The former site of the Soviet government of Tingzhou Prefecture is located across the street from the store. Walk straight into the lobby through the two cypress trees in front of the door, which are as old as Tingzhou Prefecture.
In 1995, the Changting County Museum was designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. The museum features exhibits from the Tingzhou Hakka Museum, a Changting Revolutionary History Exhibition, Qu Qiubai's Prison, the former site of the Tingzhou Examination Hall, and ancient Tang Dynasty cypress trees.
As time passes, the changes of each era are reflected in this courtyard. The appearance of the buildings is constantly changing, but what remains unchanged is the fiery red heart of this land and the thousand-year-old cypress tree in front of the gate.
Peitian Ancient Village
Peitian Village is a bold and elegant Hakka ancestral home. You Xiaojun wandered through the alleys and found himself in the 800-year-old Qingming ancient building complex.
Known as "Fujian's No. 1 Folk House Village," "Southern China's Manor," and "the Folk Forbidden City," this area boasts 30 magnificent houses, 21 ancient ancestral halls, six academies, two imperially bestowed memorial archways, and a kilometer-long ancient street. It is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing architectural complexes in southern my country. It is a classic example of Hakka architectural culture. Designated a Famous Historical and Cultural Village in China, its ancient buildings are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit under the State Council.
Passing through the bustling crowd, those hidden alleys also have their own unique charm, and the densely packed cobblestones on the ground are like a thick history book.
The ubiquitous water in Peitian adds a sense of tranquility and beauty to this quaint village.
Gaobei Tulou
The Yongding Hakka Tulou in Gaobei, a form of architecture that the Hakka people of Fujian are proud of, are a treasure of Fujian. Along the ancient path in the village stands a row of two-story, old-fashioned brick and wood houses, marking the centuries-old old market.
The Gaobei Tulou Cluster is a well-preserved complex of traditional residential buildings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing the Fujian Tulou. Scattered across 11 natural villages in Gaotou Township, southeast of Yongding District, Longyan City, Fujian Province, these iconic structures embody the wisdom of ancient working people and are a unique architectural treasure of the Chinese nation.
Gaobei Tulou is a great place for a leisurely stroll. Take a stroll along the smooth cobblestone path and take some beautiful photos.
△"Prince of Earthen Building"-Qiaofu Building
△"King of Fujian Tulou" - Chengqi Tower
Guanzhishan
Guanzhi Mountain is located in Liancheng County, just 1.5 kilometers from the county seat. As the saying goes, "every five miles, the dialect changes; every ten miles, the customs change." Thirty-four Hakka languages converge here—isn't that astonishing?
Guanzhi Mountain is named Guanzhi Mountain because its main peak resembles the ancient Xie picking up a crown. It is also called "Northern Barbarians and Southern Beasts, the Two Wonders of Danxia" by the locals.
Dingwuling
Dingwuling was the final stop on this itinerary. Located in Changting County, the world's Hakka capital, this ancient village boasts 800 years of history. Its uniform black tiles, covered in moss, belie the unchanging customs of the village. It epitomizes the thousands of ancient villages across China and represents a unique legacy of millennia-old Chinese civilization.
In the sickle-like long valley of the ancient village, a mountain spring flows through the village, silently nourishing everything in the village.
Conclusion
Longyan is a city with a strong sense of happiness. Once hailed as a global phenomenon and recognized as the starting point of the Hakka people, Longyan's people, however, care little for these fleeting glories. Instead, they revel in the bustling sounds of life in its streets and alleys, the leisurely atmosphere of the market, and the coexistence of diverse cultures within a single street.
Every inconspicuous corner on the roadside holds a piece of history and a story. You may not remember it, but you will definitely encounter it. I hope Longyan's delicious food, beautiful scenery, and cultural heritage will attract you to experience its charm.
