Chongwu Ancient Town – Baidaihe of the South

The city walls are constructed from local granite, utilizing a unique horizontal and vertical “T” shaped structure on the outer walls. Inside, the walls feature a rubble stone or pebble construction with tamped earth filling. The city spans an area of 373,756 square meters and has a perimeter of 2,567 meters. The base of the walls is 4 meters wide, with the walls themselves standing 7 meters high, including the parapets.

The ancient city is trapezoidal in shape with gates on all four sides. Each gate is topped with a gatehouse, and the eastern, northern, and western sides feature crescent-shaped walls. Additionally, five watchtowers were built around the perimeter. The walls and gates are well-preserved, with the four main gates being the East Gate, South Gate, West Gate, and the Water Gate. Within the city, numerous ancient residences, ancestral halls, and temples from the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties are still intact.

Chongwu Ancient Town is strategically built to leverage both mountain and sea for defense, featuring complete ancient coastal military structures such as walls, bunkers, crescent-shaped outer walls, gatehouses, signal towers, a central command platform, a martial arts practice field, and a unique internal road system. This combination forms a comprehensive coastal military defense system, blending defense, residence, and military functions.

Located on the southern side of Chongwu Ancient City, the Chinese Stone Carving Art Expo Park stretches approximately 1,200 meters in length and spans a width of 60 to 200 meters, covering an area of about 90,000 square meters. The park is home to over 500 exquisite stone carvings crafted by local sculptors. The stone carvings seamlessly integrate with the ancient city and the sea, creating a harmonious and visually stunning landscape.

The park is divided into 25 distinct areas, each showcasing different themes and artistic styles. Some of the key zones include: Stone Carving Zoo, Lion Forest, Mazu Art Exhibition Area, Stone Carving Art Treasure Hall, Three Kingdoms Zone, Water Margin Characters Zone, Zodiac Zone, Eight Immortals Zone, and Chinese Gods Exhibition Area. Additionally, the park includes the Chongwu Stone Carving Art Important Projects Exhibition Hall and the Hui Women Sculpture Square, which honors the contributions and artistry of the local Hui women.

Chongwu boasts one of China’s eight most beautiful coastlines, featuring 12 golden sandy beaches. Among these, Xisha Bay and Banyue Bay are particularly renowned.

Xisha Bay is situated near the ancient town, extending over 2 kilometers with pristine, white sandy beaches and clear waters. It is also home to the Liberation Army Martyrs’ Temple, often hailed as the “world’s most unique temple.” This combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Xisha Bay a major attraction.

Banyue Bay, shaped like a crescent moon, is famous for its “Crescent Sand.” The bay’s picturesque scenery includes lush green forest belts, smooth sandy beaches, and the stone sculpture “Fish Dragon Cave” along the shore. From the ancient city walls of Chongwu, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Banyue Bay, which adds to the charm of the coastal landscape.

Within and around Chongwu Ancient Town, there are more than 30 ancient architectural sites, including temples and shrines that date back to the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These structures, with their sprawling areas of several hundred to nearly a thousand square meters each, not only reflect the architectural prowess of their times but also embody the historical narrative of Chongwu’s resistance against foreign invasions and the resilient spirit of its people. Each temple and shrine in Chongwu has its unique history and significance:

• Chengying Temple: Originally built during the Song Dynasty, it was later converted into the City God Temple during the Ming Dynasty.
• Guan Yu Temple: Dedicated to Guan Yu, a revered general from the Three Kingdoms period.
• Tianfei Palace: A temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, who is venerated for her protection of sailors and fishermen.
• Siddhe Temple: A Ming-era temple known for its intricate architecture and cultural importance.
• Three Officials Temple: Another significant religious site from the Ming Dynasty.
• Chongshan Palace and Chongbao Shrine: These temples showcase the unique blend of religious practices and local culture.
• Yunfeng Nunnery and Hengdan Nunnery: Both temples from the Ming Dynasty, dedicated to Buddhist worship and nunnery life.
• Dongyue Temple: Built during the Qing Dynasty, it is dedicated to the god of Mount Tai, who is believed to oversee the realm of the dead.

Chongwu Fish Rolls are a renowned delicacy in the southern Fujian region, also counted among the top ten famous snacks of Quanzhou. Born from a maritime culture where livelihoods are intertwined with the sea’s risks and bounties, these rolls symbolize wishes for safety, smooth sailing, and harmonious reunions. Originating in Chongwu, these rolls were traditionally served as a prominent dish at wedding banquets and festive family gatherings, making them a staple among local homemakers.

The preparation of Chongwu Fish Rolls involves skilled techniques where fresh fish fillets are delicately sliced, seasoned, and rolled into tight bundles. These rolls are then either steamed or fried to perfection, ensuring a succulent texture and a burst of seafood flavors with every bite. Accompanying sauces and garnishes often enhance the natural taste of the fish, making it a delightful treat appreciated for its simplicity and rich coastal heritage.

Contrary to its name, Quanzhou Braised Noodles do not rely on a broth made from braised meats but instead feature a robust soup base prepared with pork bone broth. This flavorful broth is then combined with a medley of ingredients including mushrooms, shrimp, pork, squid, oysters, bean sprouts, carrots, satay sauce, and chives. The noodles selected for this dish are specifically chosen for their alkaline content, ensuring a chewy texture that doesn’t easily break apart during cooking. The art of making a delicious bowl of Quanzhou Braised Noodles lies in the richness and depth of the broth, which infuses the noodles with a savory essence that enhances each ingredient’s flavors.