Zhongteng Village in Zhangzhou: "A Mansion and Three Towers" Amidst Everyday Life

Zhongteng Village, located in Xiazai Town, Pinghe County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, is a traditional village that blends historical culture, revolutionary memories, and natural scenery. Below is a detailed introduction to Zhongteng Village: 1. History and Culture Historical Background: Originally named "Tongling Township" due to copper mining during the Song Dynasty, the village was renamed in 1960 to commemorate revolutionary martyr Zhong Qian (Zhong Teng). Cultural Significance: - Among the first batch of China's Traditional Villages (2012) - Listed as one of China's Historic and Cultural Villages (2014) - Recognized as a Provincial Ecological Village and one of Fujian's Most Beautiful Leisure Villages 2. Main Attractions (1) Bangyan Mansion Historical Background: During the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, martial arts scholar Huang Guoliang (1756–1795) was appointed as the second-place winner in the imperial examination and granted a mansion. Architectural Features: - Palace-style architecture: Covering over 10 acres, featuring upturned eaves, intricate carvings, and a plaque inscribed "Bangyan Jidi" (Second Place in the Imperial Exam) by Emperor Qianlong. - Auxiliary Buildings: Includes Chaoyang Tower (a circular double-ring tulou), Yuqing Tower (shaped like a copper coin), and Yongping Tower (a Song Dynasty ancient tower). (2) Chaoyang Tower Unique Structure: A double-ring circular tulou, nicknamed "Umbrella Tower," birthplace of Huang Guoliang, with an octagonal flagpole in front. (3) Boji Palace Ancient Temple: Built around 1600, featuring exquisite stone carvings and thriving incense offerings. A grand sacrificial event is held annually on the third day of the second lunar month. (4) Revolutionary Relics Revolutionary Base: In the 1940s, it served as a site for activities of the Minxi South Special Committee. Martyr Zhong Qian sacrificed his life here, and the village was renamed in his honor. 3. Nature and Industry Pomelo Industry: Zhongteng Village is a major production area for "Guangxi Pomelo," with a yield exceeding 30 million pounds in 2010. It was selected as a Fujian "One Village, One Product" demonstration village. Tea Plantations and Copper Mines: Northern tea plantations span thousands of acres, while the southern area contains copper and molybdenum deposits. Ecological Scenery: Surrounded by mountains, with Huashan Creek flowing through, Twin Peaks Mountain towering above, and picturesque landscapes. 4. Tourism and Transportation Best Visiting Times: January-February (pomelo harvest), May (early summer), October (pleasant autumn weather). Transportation: - By Car: From Zhangzhou/Xiamen, take Provincial Road 207 or Fuzhao Expressway, approximately 1.5-2 hours. - By Bus: Take a bus from Zhangzhou Central Station to Xiazai Town, then transfer to Zhongteng Village bus (fare: 2 yuan). 5. Unique Experiences Local Cuisine: Farm-style braised rabbit, lemon sauerkraut fish, pomelo peel candy. Homestays: Tea plantation homestays offering tea-picking and tea-making experiences. Cultural Activities: Bangyan Mansion Cultural Festival, dragon art performances, and Minnan-Taiwan "Begging for Turtles" folk customs. Zhongteng Village combines ancient architecture, revolutionary culture, and natural ecology, making it a distinctive tourist destination in southern Fujian. For the latest information, follow the Pinghe County Cultural and Tourism Bureau or Zhongteng Village's official announcements.