An ancient village named Lian Village, conferred by an emperor

Lian Village is located 30 kilometers southwest of Fu'an City, along the provincial road from Saiqi to Pucheng. It is quite famous, situated on the midstream banks of Musai Creek in Xitan Town. It was once a renowned ferry crossing, hence the name Shiji Jin. It was a major commercial hub in the Eight Min region, with boats coming and going like crucian carp crossing the river. The streets and alleys were bustling for a time. The surging waters of Musai Creek flow from the southeast of the village into the sea, connecting to Xianshi Village in the north and Xitan Town in the south, surrounded by water to the east and backed by mountains to the west. This commercial port in the eastern Fujian region is a small plain formed by the alluvial deposits of Musai Creek. The village is surrounded by mountains and water, lush with vegetation, with fields like embroidery and islets like green carpets. Lian Village in Xitan Town is the hometown of Xue Lingzhi, the first jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) of Fujian. Xue Lingzhi served as the Zuobuque and concurrently as the Taizi Shijiang. He was known for his integrity, and his student, Emperor Suzong of Tang, named the village 'Lian Village'. Lian Village has a rich literary tradition. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, it has produced 33 jinshi, and even witnessed the phenomenon of 'one family with five jinshi, father and sons, brothers all achieving high ranks', which became a celebrated story. In Lian Village, ancient official roads can be seen everywhere, composed of three longitudinally parallel stone slabs, with small pebbles meticulously inlaid between the slabs, creating a beautiful and unique design. Imagining the scene back then when civil and military officials returned home in glory, either riding horses or sitting in sedan chairs, with villagers lining the roads to welcome them, what a magnificent sight it must have been. Walking here, one can feel the warmth of history and listen to the echoes of time. The ancient architecture of Lian Village is constructed from bottom to top, using materials such as stone, brick, and wood, with a heavy base and a light top, adhering to the natural growth pattern and embodying communication with life and nature. It reflects the respect and love of the ancients for nature. The solemn ancestral halls, the clear waters, the mottled ancient roads... every brick, stone, plant, and tree in Lian Village is imbued with a serene ancient charm. The ancient village, the long ancient official roads, although the walking scenery has gone far, the charm of this village, with its distant mountains and nearby waters, leaves behind a lingering fragrance. Tips: It is recommended to drive yourself. From Xiaobaishi Town, Xiaoqi Village → Xitan Town, Lian Village → Shekou Town, Tangyang Village, spend a leisurely day and savor it with your heart.