Fujian Hakka Folk Palace - Peitian Ancient Dwellings

Under the Crowned Mountain, amidst the verdant pines, cypresses, and swaying bamboo leaves, lies the secret valley of Baixiang. This beautiful morning, filled with a subtle fragrance, quietly passes by as we stare blankly. The abrupt wind and rain from last night have become but a memory in our sleep. At the sun's most intense, we step into the Peitian Ancient Dwellings, entering through the Enrong Archway. To the right, the pond is densely covered with lotus leaves and water lilies, blocking out the sunlight. By the pond, amidst the trees, an elderly man lies leisurely on a green stone slab, gazing at the sky. The laughter in front of the lotus-themed stone carvings awakens him from his dreams. With an apology, he picks up his fan and gracefully walks deeper into the forest (deliberately blurred for effect). A row of houses with carved beams and painted rafters, grand courtyards, narrow and long alleys, ancient-style brick academies, and majestic ancestral halls. The villagers continue their lives after eight hundred years of weathering. Children frolic by the stream, and the elderly sit in the hall with serene faces, ignoring the sheer heat on the stone streets as silk scarves flutter and cheongsams and high heels click by. There is a bridge over the Qingyan River called Yunlong, with a unique shape and beautiful form. Recently, the rain has been plentiful, and the river water flows rapidly beneath the bridge. In the middle of the bridge stands the Wenchang Pavilion, with a spiral staircase leading up. Next to the statue of Kuixing, the air is filled with incense smoke. Looking out from the window, one can see the mountains stretching into the distance, with clear skies and misty trees. At the end of the bridge, several villagers chat and cool off along the stone steps, with a cool breeze coming from the deep rock caves. In the evening, we visit the Crowned Mountain Shimen Lake. The wooden walkway is built along the water's edge, and the lake is a tranquil green, as clear as jade. The old people play with turtles in harmony with nature, and the peaks and valleys crisscross the water's surface. Occasionally, a heron flies up from the dense forest and disappears into the clouds tinged with the red of the setting sun. 🏚Location: Xinfu Road, Peitian Village, Xuanhe Town, Liancheng 🚗Transportation: It is advisable to drive yourself, about forty kilometers from the county town, with convenient parking. There is also a large parking lot at the tourist center. 🎫Ticket: Free 👣Tour: Peitian Ancient Dwellings are a representative work of Hakka culture, known as the 'Folk Palace'. The open-style ancient dwelling architecture is exquisite, with a strong cultural atmosphere. Walking through the alleys, one can see archways, Taoist temples, large residences, academies, ancestral halls, and streets full of lush trees and flowers. It was once a connecting point on the Tinglian official road, hence the bustling streets crowded with merchants. Tofu shops, liquor distilleries, silk stores, tailor shops, inns, and sedan chair services were all available, showcasing the rich business culture of the Hakka people. Must-visit spots include the Enrong Archway: an archway awarded by the emperor to the highest-ranking official of the third grade in the village. Dafudi: Also known as Jishu Hall, it is grand in scale and the foremost of the Peitian Ancient Dwellings. Nanshan Academy: The famous school of the ancient village, which has cultivated a large number of family talents. Guan Ting: The government guesthouse of the Ming Dynasty. Rongkui Residence: An extremely rare girls' school.