When talking about history in China, there is always a widely circulated saying: “Look at Xi’an underground and Quanzhou above ground.”
Quanzhou, a city that stands at the northern end of the “Maritime Silk Road”, has a profound historical and cultural heritage that is attracting more and more people to include it in their must-visit travel lists.
However, in this land full of legends, there is still a saying: “A Jinjiang City is half the history of Quanzhou.”
Jinjiang, just across the river from Quanzhou, is not only the mother county of Quanzhou, but also the source of Quanzhou’s history.
Today’s prosperous urban area of Quanzhou was once the ancient and solemn town of Jinjiang County. Therefore, the history of Jinjiang can be said to be the concentration and essence of the history of Quanzhou.
In this land, countless talented literati and celebrities have emerged. They are like bright stars, lighting up the cultural sky of Jinjiang.
Things such as Li Zhi’s profound thoughts, Yu Dayou’s heroic deeds, and Shi Lang’s outstanding achievements have all become indelible marks in the cultural history of Jinjiang and even Quanzhou.
Jinjiang also inherits unique folk customs.
The wit and fun of Jinjiang lantern riddles, the enthusiasm and unrestrainedness of drumming, and the vividness and expressiveness of puppet shows all demonstrate the unique aesthetic taste and cultural heritage of Jinjiang people.
These folk activities not only enrich the cultural life of Jinjiang, but also add a rich and colorful touch to the history and culture of Quanzhou.
Jinjiang’s historical testimony
Wulin traditional village is a place carrying rich history and rich culture.
Since its completion during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, this land has witnessed the struggle and glory of countless overseas Chinese. In the late Qing Dynasty, the sons and daughters of Wu Lin began to go overseas to explore a broader world.
Then, they returned to China one after another with their overseas prosperity and dreams, and built exquisite western-style buildings in their hometown.
The boundaries of the village gradually expanded, and its styles became more diverse, eventually converging into this “Overseas Chinese Architecture Museum” covering an area of 1,000 acres.
Walking in Wulin feels like you are in a time tunnel.
The mottled exterior wall of the east-facing building tells the story of the vicissitudes of time; the Deqin House is surrounded by ancient banyan trees, which makes it appear peaceful and solemn; and the Deyang House, known as the “Ninety-nine Gates”, demonstrates the extraordinary magnanimity and magnanimity of its owner. Deep foundation.
Every building is like an old man, quietly telling the glory and glory of the past.
Today, even though more than six hundred years have passed, Wulin still maintains its original tranquility.
Walking there, the hustle and bustle of business seems to be isolated, leaving only the tranquility and traces left by the years.
Listening quietly, it seems that you can hear these buildings whispering, telling touching stories.
Wudian City is a witness to another period of history.
During the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, five descendants of the seventh generation of the Cai family opened five restaurants here. The wine flags were flying in the wind and the food was fragrant. Over time, this place became famous far and wide.
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Wudian City was already a bustling neighborhood with row upon row of shops, busy streets and beautiful red brick houses.
Nowadays, this neighborhood is full of new vitality. Ancestral halls, temples, houses, and shops are dotted here and there. Every brick and tile has experienced the vicissitudes of time, but it is full of new vitality.
As night falls, the prosperity of Wudian City seems to reappear in history.
The lights lit up the buildings, and the bright red lanterns illuminated the streets at night.
Tourists stroll under the lights, enjoy the cool breeze brought by history, and feel the unique charm of the city.
Cao’an Temple is a shining pearl in Jinjiang.
The “Mani Light Buddha Statue” carved out of the cliff is the only remaining Manichaean ruins in the world, witnessing the history and culture of Manichaeism.
The thatched hut is built on the cliff. Although it is small, it is elegant, and the flowers, trees and fruit trees add to its charm.
Climbing high and looking into the distance, the elegant urban scenery spreads out in front of you. The unique comfort and tranquility of the small town make you feel relaxed and happy.
Wulin, Wudi City, and Cao’an Temple are each a microcosm of Jinjiang’s history and culture. They quietly tell the stories of the past and look forward to the glory of the future.
The bridge connecting past and present
Anping Bridge, a treasure of ancient bridge architecture, stands on the land of China and has witnessed thousands of years of vicissitudes and glory. It is not only the longest existing stone bridge in ancient times, but also a shining pearl in the history of bridge development in China.
In the eighth year of Shaoxing in the Southern Song Dynasty, the ancestors started the construction of this bridge with their yearning for a better life. After fourteen years of hard work, this immortal masterpiece was finally built.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was rebuilt many times, embodying the wisdom and sweat of generations of people.
“There is no bridge like this in the world”, this is not only a compliment, but also an affirmation of the unique status of Anping Bridge.
The bridge spans the bays of the two towns, winding like a giant dragon. Although the prosperity of the past no longer exists, the interlaced granites of different sizes and the weathered gaps tell the vicissitudes of time.
Stepping onto the bridge, you can seem to hear the echoes of history and feel the heavy weight.
On the long bridge, small pavilions, stone towers and temples are dotted, providing pedestrians with a good place to rest and observe.
Walking on the bridge, people and the bridge together form a beautiful picture and become a variety of scenery.
The Jinjiang Bridge is the modern representative of Jinjiang bridges. It crosses the Jinjiang waterway, connects Quanzhou City and Jinjiang City, and is an important part of National Highway 228.
This bridge is not only a transportation hub, but also a symbol of hope.
The bridge is busy with traffic and the life under the bridge is busy, which together compose the prosperity and vitality of Jinjiang.
Many people come here just to watch the sunset here. Travel Fungus recommends that if you have time, you might as well take a walk along the river to feel the tranquility and comfort.
The fishing boats docked on the shore are full of the hard work and hope of the fishermen. Every place is a microcosm of life, and every place is full of poetry and painting.
The comfort that pervades the mountains and the sea
Jinjiang, this gentle town located on the seaside, naturally has many intoxicating sea views.
Here, there is a rare wonder in China – Tentacle Beach. The snow-white sandy beach is like an elegant jade belt, winding and stretching straight into the embrace of the blue sea.
Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it is narrow and curved. Viewed from a high place, it looks like an insect’s tentacles.
This beach changes with the rise and fall of the tide.
When the tide is high, it is gently embraced by the gentle sea water and hidden among the waves; when the tide is low, it is exposed to the sea, showing its unique charm.
Perhaps it is not as bustling and noisy as those famous islands, but if you come only for the purity of the sea, its true appearance will definitely give you a new understanding and understanding of the sea.
In addition, Jinjiang also has a resort across the sea from Kinmen Island – Weitou Bay.
Since the Southern Song Dynasty, Quanzhou has attached great importance to foreign economic and trade. Weitou Bay became the first port to realize people-to-people exchanges between Fujian and Taiwan at that time, and enjoyed the reputation of “Pearl of the East China Sea”.
Among the Weitou Bay, Jinsha Bay is even more famous. It is known as the clearest and bluest beach in Quanzhou, and no one can deny its unique beauty.
The sand on the beach there is so fine and soft that it feels like walking on clouds and is extremely comfortable.
Looking from afar, we can see the line between sea and sky. It is the most beautiful scenery given to us by nature. It makes people feel relaxed and happy, and they will never forget to leave.
The ancient flavor in memory
In southern Fujian, the so-called “ancient flavor” is the flavor of memories hidden deep in people’s hearts.
If you are eager to taste the most authentic and pure ancient customs, Jinjiang is undoubtedly your best choice.
In Jinjiang in the early morning, a bowl of noodle paste is enough to wake up your sleeping taste buds. In that thick soup base, every strand of noodle thread seems to be filled with the tenderness of time. A gentle sip will turn into a heart full of warmth. With the addition of some favorite toppings, the blend of flavors and textures is simply a feast for the senses.
If you still feel that you are still hungry, a roasted pork rice dumpling can satisfy your appetite.
The freshness of the mushrooms, the tenderness of the shrimps, the sweetness of the chestnuts, the mellowness of the pig head, and the mildly sweet and spicy sauce make every bite full of happiness and satisfaction.
If you want something lighter, a bowl of peanut soup paired with steaming pan-fried pancakes is the best choice.
The soup is sweet and delicious, and the cake is soft, glutinous and fragrant. When you eat it, it warms not only your stomach, but also your heart.
The fried oyster is a delicacy not to be missed in Jinjiang. The freshness of the seafood is intertwined with the aroma of green onion, crispy yet glutinous, and overflowing with fragrance. Every bite is a deep confession to the ocean.
As for the frozen bamboo shoots, it is even more popular among Jinjiang people. Its fragrant, tender, smooth and refreshing taste makes it an excellent choice whether as a side dish with drinks or as a daily snack.
In addition, there are the clear stone flower paste, sticky banana beans, elastic shark skin jelly, sweet but not greasy stone lion cakes, fragrant ginger duck, fresh and delicious fish balls, soft and sweet Shenhu sugar taro, chewy fist mother, crispy and delicious lard meal, rich-tasting bundled hooves, fragrant pot rice… Each delicacy carries a unique story of time.
In Jinjiang, a city known as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, the people’s enthusiasm for “making money” seems to have been in their blood.
One of every five pairs of sports shoes in the world comes from this land; one of every three umbrellas is engraved with Jinjiang’s mark.
There are over 90,000 private enterprises and 51 listed companies… These impressive figures all demonstrate the prosperity and vitality of Jinjiang.
However, Jinjiang’s charm lies not only in its economic prosperity. People here know how to enjoy life while pursuing wealth.
Although luxury houses and cars are nice, they are no match for the leisure and freedom.
Here, the focus of life always revolves around comfort and ease.
Walking through the streets of Jinjiang, you can always feel the leisurely and comfortable atmosphere.
The air seems to be filled with a kind of tranquility and harmony that is uncontested by the world. Here is a witness to thousands of years. The simple, natural and vivid fragments are intertwined into a beautiful picture here.
Such an ancient city has both profound cultural heritage and modern prosperity. Is there any reason why people shouldn’t be attracted to Jinjiang like this and come and experience it?