Root Ancestral Land, Spiritual Homeland—Hongtong Big Locust Tree in Shanxi

The Ancestral Home of Global Chinese: The starting point of large-scale migration during the Hongwu to Yongle periods of the Ming Dynasty, connecting the roots of billions of migrant descendants. A Living History Museum: Not only featuring the relics of the Big Locust Tree, but also ancestral worship ceremonies, live performances, and surname origin exploration, making history tangible and perceptible. A Sacred Ancestral Worship Hall: The solemn ancestral worship hall houses hundreds of surname plaques, serving as a sacred place for tracing roots and honoring ancestors. [Must-Experience Recommendations] 1. Solemn Ancestral Worship: Witness or participate in a traditional and grand ancestral worship ceremony, feeling the solemnity of bloodline inheritance amidst the sound of bells and drums. 2. Touch the Roots: Personally touch the robust roots of the first-generation ancient locust tree, engaging in a dialogue with a witness of 600 years of history. 3. Surname Root Tracing: Search for the origins of your surname in the Surname Culture Hall, request a surname totem, and take home a mark of your family heritage. 4. Watch Performances: Immerse yourself in the live performance of 'Big Locust Tree Migration,' experiencing the ancestors' poignant and resilient journey of leaving their homeland. 5. Drink to Remember: Sip the sweet spring water from the 'Drink to Remember Well,' taste a 'Locust Flower Cake,' and let the longing for home blend into your taste memory. [Practical Information] Best Season: Suitable for all seasons, with the Qingming Festival being the most profound time to experience the ancestral worship ceremony. Nearby Attractions: Highly recommend combining your visit with Guangsheng Temple (to see the magnificent Feihong Tower and Yuan Dynasty murals) and Su San Prison (the only existing Ming Dynasty prison in China) to feel the rich cultural heritage of Hongtong. Transportation: Drive and navigate to 'Hongtong Big Locust Tree Ancestral Worship Park.' Alternatively, take a high-speed train to Hongtong West Station or a regular train to Hongtong Station, then take a taxi for convenient access. [Heartfelt Conclusion] Every journey begins with a departure, but arriving at Hongtong Big Locust Tree feels like coming home. No matter your name or origin, believe that an invisible thread connects you to this land. This time, it’s not for sightseeing, but to fulfill a 600-year-old promise and complete a spiritual homecoming.