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2024 Guangchang Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
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These three ancient villages in Guangchang are worth a visit
Longxi Village, Luojia Village, and Yiqian Guanqiao Village in Ganzhu Town, Guangchang County, are ancient villages recently included in the list of traditional Chinese villages. They are only a 30-40 minute drive from the county town.
Longxi Village Wenfeng Academy
An administrative village in Ganzhu Town, northern Guangchang, is famous for discovering the only complete dinosaur fossil south of the Yangtze River. In 2004, another dinosaur fossil was discovered about 600 meters from the 1986 fossil site, attracting great attention from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The village also has the Yuan Dynasty stone arch Yue Long Bridge, the Ming Dynasty Wenfeng Academy, Wenfeng Dam, and the Qing Dynasty "Bangyan Residence," all of which are notable attractions.
This was an important position in the 1934 Battle of Guangchang, with the former sites of the First and Third Red Army Corps headquarters, the Raojiabao Battle Site Group, and the Rao Fulin Martyrs Memorial Hall. Today, Longxi Village features well-preserved ancient buildings, high walls, deep courtyards, and interspersed blue bricks and black tiles. The clean and tidy walking paths are bustling with visitors. The village has received honors such as Provincial Red Village, Water Ecological Civilization Village, Forest Village, and Model Party Organization for Rural Revitalization.
Luojia Village Ganzhu Town Market
Located in Guangchang County, with the Xijiang River in front and Shuanglian Pass behind, it was established during the Southern Song Dynasty and has a history of over 700 years. The village produced 13 successful candidates in the imperial examinations during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Initially known as Lumaoke, it was renamed "Luojia Bao Ke" after the Luo family settled there. During the Kangxi and Qianlong periods, the village produced six generations of successful candidates in the imperial examinations, earning it the reputation of a family of scholars. Built in the tenth year of the Tongzhi reign (1871) by Luo Yushan, the magistrate of Qingyuan County, Guangdong, the Shike Residence faces south, with fireproof walls and covers an area of 600 square meters. The stone plaque above the entrance is inscribed with "Shike Residence," symbolizing generations of success in the imperial examinations. The plaque is surrounded by carved scenes of stories. The eaves on both sides of the main entrance feature brick carvings of figures, flowers, and geometric patterns, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
The Shike Residence also served as the headquarters of the Red Ninth Army Corps. In March and April 1934, the headquarters of the Ninth Army Corps of the First Red Army, led by Luo Binghui and Cai Shupan, was stationed here, commanding the Red Army in the fifth anti-encirclement campaign, preventing the attack of five divisions of the Kuomintang Hexi Column. Many Red Army slogans are still preserved.
Guanqiao Village Gaohunao Red Army Martyrs Monument
Located in the southern part of Guangchang County, originally named Gaohunao Village, it is the "rear dragon" mountain of Guanqiao, with an altitude of 406 meters. It is named Gaohunao because it resembles the head of a crouching tiger. It controls the main route from Guangchang to Shicheng and Ruijin.
This is the northern gate of the Central Soviet Area and one of the main battlefields of the fifth anti-encirclement campaign. It has the Gaohunao Red Army Martyrs Monument, the Guanqiao Village History Museum, and the Red Gaohunao Exhibition Hall. The famous Gaohunao Battle took place in Guanqiao Village. In the fierce battle of 1934, all the villagers, young and old, joined the fight, helping the Red Army dig trenches, deliver food, and carry the wounded, making significant sacrifices. The Gaohunao Battle won precious time for the strategic transfer of the Central Red Army.
Overall, Longxi Village has a stronger "ancient" flavor, while the other two villages have a stronger "red" flavor.
Known as the Guinness World Record holder - Yaoxi Village
In Fuzhou City, there is a Yaoxi Village, which is hailed as the 'Number One Lotus Village'. This place is definitely a treasure spot you shouldn't miss. Hurry up and avoid any pitfalls by liking and saving it in advance!
The annual Lotus Festival is usually held around July 13th. If friends in or around Fuzhou City want to visit, you should pay close attention to this guide!
Currently, the lotuses are still growing, so there aren't many to see if you come now. Moreover, the recent frequent rainy weather is not conducive to travel.
Speaking of transportation, self-driving is the best choice. If you don't have a car, no worries, you can also take a high-speed train. After getting off at Nanfeng Station, there are direct buses to Guangchang County. Once you arrive at the Guangchang County Bus Station, you can transfer to reach Yiqian Town.
Regarding accommodation, if you are looking for better conditions, consider staying in the county town, which is definitely better than Yiqian Town in terms of food and lodging. The recommended hotels in the county town are Emerald Intercontinental, Vienna, and Shangri-La. These three have tiered pricing, and I personally tested that none of them are too bad. Of course, there are also accommodation options in Yiqian Town, with Yilian Xiaozhu being the top recommendation. It's the only one in town, and although the overall environment is average, the rooms will definitely surprise you.
Ps~ Moreover, staying in Yiqian Town has another advantage, which is that you can explore the ancient town. Those old and dilapidated buildings allow you to appreciate the charm of a century's history. The long-standing Yiqian ancient town will surely add a unique color to your journey.
The ancient town of Lotus in front of the post station
Northbound from Shicheng, you will find the ancient town of Yiqian, which served as Jinjie Post during the Ming and Qing dynasties and was a major distribution center for the Fu River's waterborne materials. Many of the Ming and Qing residences that remain are dilapidated and in ruins, but some, like the Kui Bi Lian Hui and Feng Xian Si Xiao, are relatively intact. Exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings can be seen everywhere, with rich themes and delicate craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ming and Qing periods. (Recorded on February 12, 2024)
Guangchang, the first lotus village in China
In the south of the Yangtze River, lotus can be picked, and the lotus leaves are vast. The entire village is embraced by thousands of acres of lotus. The best time to enjoy the flowers is at sunrise. There is an uncommercialized ancient town nearby, which was the starting point for business in ancient Jiangxi along the Belt and Road. During the Song Dynasty, the white lotus, sun-cured tobacco, and traditional Chinese medicine produced here were already sold overseas. No matter how many sentences I write, I think it's not as good as showing you the ten miles of lotus flowers.
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Popular Restaurants in Guangchang