Amidst the hustle and bustle of the past, China has made a promise | International trade starts from the ancient town of Yuegang, Yangfan Mountain Creek | Ocean Tide | Fireworks
On June 19th, China Daily reported that Yuegang is located in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. It was originally a small fishing village on the banks of the Jiulong River, named after its resemblance to the moon due to its connection to the sea tide and mountain streams.
The picture is taken by Hu Zhiqin as an aerial photo of Moon Harbor
It is reported that in the mid to late Ming Dynasty, Yuegang, located in a remote sea corner, became the only legitimate civilian maritime trade starting port on the Maritime Silk Road. During its prosperous period, it had 18 shipping routes, leading to 47 countries and regions in Southeast Asia and West Asia, Latin America, Europe, and more. At that time, Yuegang was known as a gathering place for ships and merchants. Countless goods set sail from here and were exported overseas. At the same time, there were also many exotic goods from afar gathered here.
During the heyday of Yuegang, the maritime merchants of Zhangzhou, relying on their geographical advantages and the benefits of trading in the two oceans, opened up Taiwan, went to the South, traveled to the West, and went to the East, representing China's participation in the global economic and cultural cycle.
On June 18, 2023, the "2023 China International Media Theme Interview Team" visited the Haisi Site of the ancient city of Yuegang in Zhangzhou, exploring the legendary port of the Silk Road in this era of great navigation, and listening to the history of the ancient town of Yuegang growing and thriving towards the sea.
Although there are only ruins left in Yuegang today, it is still full of fireworks. Villagers in the ancient town will still worship ancestors at the gate of their homes and pray at the Chenghuang Temple, and still retain some unique customs. When foreign journalist Faisa strolled through the ancient town of Yuegang and saw a vertical bamboo curtain standing at the entrance of each household, he became curious and approached to inquire.
The picture is "Zhugezi".
This object is locally known as "Zhugezi" and is used to block the sun and passersby at home. It is also known as feng shui and is a unique style of ancient houses in southern Fujian. It is said that "Zhugezi" was created by Zhu Xi when he was an official in Zhangzhou to reform folk customs, educate people's customs, and distinguish between the inside and outside.
Writer Mr. Lin Yutang once described the ancient town of Yuegang in Zhangzhou in "My Hometown", saying: "In the town, there is a bamboo curtain hanging at the entrance of every household. Women can only hide inside the house and look outside through the bamboo curtain, while people on the streets outside cannot see what is inside."
With the passage of a hundred years, everything has changed. Although Yuegang is not as prosperous as it used to be, it is taking advantage of the "the Belt and Road" to usher in a new chapter in the "Maritime Silk Road" construction.
