Linfen, a city steeped in millennia of history and profound culture. From December 15 to 17, 45 representatives from overseas Chinese media under the “Overseas Chinese Media Cooperation Organization” visited Linfen to experience the weight of its history and the allure of its culture.
Linfen is one of the crucial birthplaces of the Chinese nation, often lauded as “the first capital of China.” This ancient land nurtured the origins of human civilization. Here, you’ll find a “tree” and a “city,” with the Yellow River flowing 174 kilometers through it, leaving behind a dynamic yet serene landscape. It’s a place where the ancient meets the modern, movement harmonizes with stillness. Linfen—once visited, it’s a city you’ll fall in love with.
The Resonance of Taosi Site Museum
The Taosi Site Museum is a hall of history and splendid civilization. It showcases 230 artifacts, including pottery and jade, unearthed from the Taosi site, comprehensively presenting the archaeological discoveries and research of the Taosi culture dating back 4,300 to 3,900 years. Each artifact embodies the wisdom of the ancients, and every story speaks of the passage of time.
Splendor of Ancient Fengcheng Architecture
In Linfen, Shanxi, lies a hidden gem: the Fengcheng Ancient Architecture Complex. It resembles a solidified history book. The City God Temple stands majestic, with its Ming Dynasty hall and stage adorned with exquisite wood carvings narrating ancient tales. The Confucian Temple, originally built in the Tang Dynasty, boasts a solemn Dacheng Hall, ancient towering trees, and a precious inscription by Wen Zhengming, bearing the cultural legacy of a thousand years. The Drum Tower, a double-eaved pavilion rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, stands in the town center, witnessing the passage of time.
Strolling along ancient streets lined with orderly ancient buildings, you can almost hear the clamor of the past and feel the vibrant life of its residents. Every brick, tile, plant, and tree exudes historical charm.
Roaring Splendor of the Yellow River
In winter, Hukou Waterfall transforms as the Yellow River shifts from muddy torrents to roaring white waves. The cascading waters rush down the dragon trough, creating layers of splashes and ascending mists. Its sound, momentum, and scenery are awe-inspiring, enchanting all who visit.
Standing before the waterfall, one seems to hear a familiar melody: “The wind howls, the horses neigh, the Yellow River roars…” At that moment, the roar of the Yellow River merges perfectly with the vigorous tune, evoking a powerful emotional resonance. Standing on the riverbank, listening to the rushing waters, your heart finds a rare tranquility—a truly indescribable experience. As you stand there, you feel as if you’ve become a drop of Yellow River water, rolling with the waves and rushing with the rapids. The Yellow River is the mother river—returning to her embrace is a dream we all share.
The Sacred Sound of Xiaoxitian
Climbing steps and passing through courtyards, you stand beneath the exquisite hanging sculptures of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, listening to the whispers of history. The Xiaoxitian Scenic Area in Xixian County, Shanxi, is renowned for its unparalleled hanging sculpture art. Nearly 2,000 statues are housed within the 169.6-square-meter Mahavira Hall. These vividly crafted and intricately posed statues, ranging from over 3 meters tall to thumb-sized, remain spotless and resplendent after nearly 400 years. Known as the “Chinese Museum of Hanging Sculpture Art,” this rare collection holds immense historical and artistic value.
The Eternal Fame of the Ancient Pagoda Tree
Among China’s more than 2,000 counties, Hongtong County stands out as one of the most famous. Known as “Yanghou State” and “Pagoda Tree Hometown,” it is a cherished ancestral homeland for countless Chinese people, both domestic and overseas. Here stands a large pagoda tree, under which the largest official migration during the Ming Dynasty originated.
A folk song has been passed down for over 600 years:
“Where is my ancestor from? Shanxi Hongtong Pagoda Tree. What is the name of my ancestral home? The Old Crane’s Nest under the Pagoda Tree.”
Today, wherever there are Chinese people, there are descendants of the Hongtong migration. Their roots are in Hongtong, their ancestors under the ancient pagoda tree. For millions of descendants, Hongtong County remains a deeply cherished ancestral homeland.
The Radiance of Guangsheng Temple
A 20-minute drive from Hongtong County along a wide, smooth tourist road leads to Guangsheng Temple Scenic Area. The temple, divided into the Upper Temple, Lower Temple, and Water God Temple, boasts a long history, unique architecture, and precious relics. Its highlights include the unparalleled Feihong Pagoda, the world’s only extant Zhao Cheng Jin Zang Buddhist scriptures, and Yuan Dynasty theatrical murals—a cultural treasure of Chinese opera history known as the “Three Wonders of Guangsheng.”
As the wind blows, hundreds of wind chimes hanging from the pagoda eaves produce a heavenly melody, as if descending from the skies. Standing amidst the temple, one might recall the verse, “Such music could only belong to the heavens; how often can it be heard on Earth?”
After the visit, standing in the temple, one can almost see the figures of Lin Huiyin and Liang Sicheng conducting detailed surveys and records. Their meticulous work not only protected Guangsheng Temple’s architectural heritage but also elevated its cultural significance to professional acclaim. Through their writings and articles, the temple’s value was recognized, promoting its preservation and cultural legacy. Their dedication shines like a beacon, illuminating the future of ancient architecture and inspiring us to cherish and pass down these invaluable cultural treasures.
“To see a noble person, how can one not rejoice?”
On this land that nurtured rituals, overflowed with poetry, and gave rise to Yuan opera, among ancient architectural wonders glowing with the brilliance of “ritual and music civilization,” you can deepen your understanding and appreciation of “Ancient China.”
(By WSH staff reporter Lin Tao)
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