Hakka Capital - The Splendid Tingzhou (Part 3): Diantou Street

Diantou Street is one of the four major historical and traditional districts in Changting and was also the earliest commercial district in ancient Tingzhou City, being named a Chinese Historical and Cultural Famous Street in 2011. Diantou Street is located between Nanmen Street and Wutong Street, which are the most densely populated areas in Changting, Longyan City, Fujian Province. Established during the Tang Dynasty, Diantou Street is the most renowned ancient street in Changting. It runs north to south, with a total length of 466 meters and a width of about 3 meters, making it the earliest commercial district in ancient Tingzhou City. 'Diantou' in Hakka dialect refers to the best shops. At the entrance of the street, there is a wooden double-layered pavilion with eight pillars. Hanging under the second-floor corridor on the front side is a plaque that reads 'Diantou Street,' while the backside bears the plaque 'Xi Chao Ren Rui.' It is said that the words 'Diantou Street' were written by the Qing Dynasty scholar and Minister of Rites, Ji Xiaolan, which undoubtedly adds historical and cultural value to Diantou Street. Today's Diantou Street retains the architectural characteristics of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with most buildings along the street being two-story wooden structures covered with green tiles. Although Diantou Street is narrow, about three meters wide, it is lined with shops on both sides, forming a traditional street of various handicrafts and trades. It is said that before the 1980s, this ancient street was filled with shops like oil and salt stores, tofu shops, blacksmiths, barbershops, tailors, etc., and businesses in all trades were booming, with some even surpassing their historical peak periods. Strolling along the old street, one can see big red lanterns hanging high on both sides, and merchants have placed various flags in front of their shops to represent their unique characteristics, bringing a sense of Tang and Song dynasties' charm, reflecting its prosperity. Diantou Street is a sediment of time, where each brick and tile has its own story. When night falls and the lights come on, the street, under the glow of the red lanterns, takes on a different charm. Changting County, Diantou Street