foreword
Someone said, "In Shanxi, you can easily encounter thousands of years of time and "out-of-print" historical relics from the whole country and even the world. The pulse of history wanders between mountains, rivers, urban and rural areas, silently, but never goes far."
See Shenzhen in 40 years, Shanghai in 100 years, Beijing in 1000 years, Shaanxi in 3000 years, and Shanxi in 5000 years.
It is a history of Chinese civilization and a history of national integration.
Searching for the source and exploring the secrets, traveling and reading in Shanxi, we walked in Changzhi, Linfen, Jinzhong, and Luliang. Look for "China's No. 1 Well", "China's No. 1 Capital", "China's No. 1 Drum", and "China's No. 1 Huabiao" born here in Yao Temple; seek the roots and ancestors of the big locust tree in Hongdong; read in the ancient city of Pingyao With a history of more than 2,700 years, feel this city between history and modernity; inquire about the birthplace of Shanxi merchants in Qikou Ancient Town, the "first town of Jiuqu Yellow River"...
Pingyao Ancient City, Gone with the Wind
Pingyao is one of the four remaining intact ancient cities in China. It has a history of more than 2700 years. It also relatively well retains the basic style and features of the county town in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and is the most complete ancient city in the Han nationality area of China.
It is like a Gone with the Wind with a profound heritage, living in the changes of this era with her unique temperament.
When we arrived in Pingyao, it was raining all the time.
In fact, Pingyao in the rain also has its own taste.
The intricate wires on the eaves are very individual.
I will never change myself into an online celebrity check-in point because there are so many photographers or tourists taking pictures of it.
I think it's so beautiful.
The traffic network of Pingyao Ancient City is composed of four criss-crossing streets, eight small streets, and seventy-two alleys. South Street is the central axis of Pingyao Ancient City. It starts from the junction of East and West Streets in the north, and ends at Dananmen (Yingxun Gate) in the south. Commercial Street, South Street controlled more than 50% of the country's financial institutions during the Qing Dynasty. Known as China's "Wall Street".
West Street starts from Xiaximen (Fengyi Gate) in the west, and intersects with the north end of East and South Streets, forming a straight main street with East Street. The famous first bank in China, Rishengchang, was born in West Street of the ancient city, known as "the first financial street in the Qing Dynasty". East Avenue, starting from Xiadongmen (Qinhanmen) in the east, intersects with the north end of West and South Streets, forming a straight main street with West Avenue. North Street, from North Gate (Gongji Gate) to the middle of Nantong West Street.
Pingyao Ancient City Wall
It is the earliest and largest existing city wall in Shanxi, and it is also the most complete county-level ancient city wall in my country. It was built in the period of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty as a rammed earth city wall. It was rebuilt in the third year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty, and expanded from the original "nine miles and eighteen steps" to "twelve miles and eight minutes and four centimeters" (6.4 kilometers), changing the rammed earth city wall into a brick and stone city wall.
There are six ancient city gates in Pingyao City, two for the east and two for the east. A bird's-eye view of the ancient city of Pingyao looks like a tortoise that wants to move but does not move. The "turtle" has its head in the south and its tail in the north. Outside the south gate, the Zhongdu River meanders in ancient times, which aroused the emotion of ancient literati "playing in front of the turtle, facing the sun with mountains and rivers, and building the city for use". The tortoise is a symbol of auspiciousness and longevity, implying solid gold soup and long-term peace and stability.
The Museum of China's Escort Bureau contains wisdom and principles of life
In those prosperous years of commerce, bodyguards were the place where martial arts heroes were born and myths of the rivers and lakes were created. Behind every bodyguard, there are many known or unknown stories.
There are three Escort museums in the ancient city of Pingyao, namely: North China First Escort Museum, Tongxing Public Escort Museum and China Escort Museum, among which Tongxing Escort Bureau and China Escort Museum are located on South Street of the ancient city, and North China First Escort Bureau is located on East Street.
Although it is raining in the ancient city of Pingyao today, there are still many people in the Museum of the Chinese Bodyguard Agency. As soon as you walk into the Museum of Escort Bureau, there is a big "鼠" character in the middle of the front. "鼠" is composed of "gold" and "ticket". Meaning, it can be said that the nature of the bodyguard bureau can be clearly expressed by the word "镐", and I have to admire the wisdom of the ancients.
There are actually many taboos regarding escort bureaus and requirements for escort masters: "Three Taboos for Escort Masters", "Three Not to Stay", "Three Requirements for Staying in a Store", "Three Meetings and One Not", "Three Regulations for Waterways"...
three live:
Newly-opened stores can't stay: Because the newly-opened stores can't understand people's hearts, the bodyguards don't take risks at will, as long as the door says that the store has opened well.
Changing owners of the shop: Changing the owner of the shop, there will be thieves in the shop, and the bodyguards will not stay.
The prostitute's shop can't stay: It is very inappropriate to accidentally get entangled with a prostitute in the process of escorting. It is also easy to cause the bodyguard to lose the bodyguard, and the bodyguards do not take risks.
Three taboos for bodyguards:
Do not ask the customer about the insured items: only ask which piece of luggage must be insured in the event of an accident.
Do not communicate with the client's family members: the bodyguard only deals with the hostess alone, so that the adults and gentlemen can rest assured; the second is to avoid unnecessary contact and disputes between wives and young ladies.
Do not ask for rewards from customers halfway: Asking for rewards in the middle is often regarded as extortion, even if it is an accident, asking for money will be considered an attempt to "extort money". Generally speaking, after reaching the finish line safely, the employer will always reward the bodyguard with a feast and some silver rewards. This is the bodyguard's extra money.
Principles of life:
Smile with a three-point smile, make a three-point excuse, drink a three-point wine
A careful taste of the taboos and principles of the bodyguards of the past dynasties reveals wisdom and conduct. And these virtues are used today, whether it is in work, in the boundary with the opposite sex, or in travel, the principles of life in life are equally very wise and applicable.
Rishengchang, the pioneer of China's national banking industry
Rishengchang Bank was established in the third year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty, the first bank in China, with a century of vicissitudes and brilliant performance. With compact land and clear functions, it is the first of its kind in China's national banking industry, and once controlled the economic lifeline of the entire Qing Dynasty in the 19th century. Its semicolons spread over more than 30 cities across the country, as far as Europe, America, Southeast Asia and other countries, and it is famous for "connecting the world".
Rishengchang was co-founded by Li Dajin, a wealthy businessman from Xidapu Village, Pingyao County, Shanxi Province, with an investment of 300,000 taels of silver and Lei Lutai, the shopkeeper of Xiyao Village.
At that time, Rishengchang was called "the daughter of daily profit", and its business outlets spread all over China. Today, Shengchang Bank Bank has been changed to China Bank Bank Museum. It has led the model of Bank of China and left behind the development track of China's national banking industry. It is really remarkable!
Ming and Qing Streets
On the South Street of the ancient city, it is the most lively place in Pingyao. The buildings on both sides of the street are in the style of Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are ticket offices, pawnshops, bodyguard bureaus, and goods shops, all of which are known as "Ancient Wall Street in China". The whole street is full of antique buildings.
Today's streets are lined with restaurants, accommodation, shopping, antiques and other small shops. This street is bustling both in the past and in the present.
See you again in Pingyao
There is another highlight in Pingyao: watching the performance of "Meet Pingyao Again". The immersive performance will take you into the play every minute, and feel the benevolence, righteousness, loyalty and soul of Pingyao people.
"Seeing Pingyao Again" tells a story about blood inheritance and endless life: at the end of the Qing Dynasty, Zhao Yishuo, the owner of the bank in the ancient city of Pingyao, lost his family property and returned a bloodline from Tsarist Russia to the treasurer of the semicolon king. 232 bodyguards from Tongxing Public Escort Bureau went together. Seven years later, Zhao Dong's family died on the way along with 232 bodyguards, and the blood of the Wang family continued.
The entire performance highlights the moral tradition of Pingyao people and the tragic feelings elucidated by this tradition through "choosing wives", "bodyguard bathing", "soul returning home", "face show" and other fragments. What is valuable and characteristic is that Pingyao's moral spirit is displayed on the basis of highly refined folk customs and historical facts, such as "sending off" and "choosing a wife". At the same time, the form of narration not only has rich visibility, but also has more profound connotations in literature, and uses symbolic means to express it.
Yao Temple, the First Capital of China
Linfen was called Pingyang in history, and "Shangshu" recorded "Pingyang, the capital of Yao". Sima Qian's "Historical Records" says: "Scholars often say that the Five Emperors are still alive, but the "Shangshu" only records since Yao." It shows that Chinese civilization began with Yao.
Yao Temple was first built in the Western Jin Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,700 years.
The old site was to the west of the Fen River. During the Yuankang period of the Western Jin Dynasty, it was moved to the east bank of the Fen River. In the third year of Li Zhixianqing, Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, the temple site was moved from the southwest of Fucheng to the current site in the south of the city. The Yao Temple is a national ancestor temple with a rich history and culture and a history of 5,000 years of civilization. It is commonly known as the Temple of the Three Sages.
Yao established Pingyang as his capital more than 4,000 years ago and demarcated Kyushu, forming the earliest pattern in China. Pingyang has become one of the earliest birthplaces of Chinese civilization and is known as the first capital of China.
In addition to China's No. 1 Capital, there are also "China's No. 1 Well", "China's No. 1 Drum", "China's No. 1 Huabiao", "China's No. 1 Dragon" and so on.
Yao Temple mainly has ancient buildings such as Shanmen, Wufeng Tower, Yaojing Pavilion, Guangyun Hall, and Sleeping Palace.
After entering the Yao Temple, the first thing you see is the beautiful Wufeng Tower. It was built in the Qianfeng period of the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1300 years.
Behind Wufeng Tower is Yaojing Pavilion, which was built in the Taining period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The pavilion is in the form of a hexagonal pavilion with high eaves, small and exquisite, very unique.
Guangyun Hall, also known as Yao Palace, is the place where officials are summoned to discuss state affairs, and it is also the main building in the temple. Guangyun Hall was built in the third year of Tang Xianqing, with a history of more than 1300 years.
"Chinese Emperor Yao Drum" is called the best drum in the world. It is said that so far, there is no drum bigger than it in the world. In 2000 it was included in the Guinness Book of World Records. Emperor Yao "dare to admonish and drum", opened up the way of speaking, opened up the sage, accepted advice and eliminated evil, created a precedent for democratic governance, and brought about the prosperous age of "Yao Tian Shun Day".
The Yao Temple in the rain is more quiet, and the sound of raindrops under the eaves travels through time and space with thoughts.
Hongdong big pagoda tree, seeking roots and asking ancestors
When it comes to seeking roots and ancestors, most of the people in China may come from Shanxi. And Hongdong County has become the original hometown in the memory of Chinese immigrants. This is a sacred place for Chinese people all over the world to seek their roots and worship their ancestors. For centuries, it has been regarded as "home", "ancestor" and "root".
There is a saying here: Ask me where my ancestors are, the big pagoda tree in Hongdong, Shanxi.
What is the name of the ancestor's former residence? An old stork's nest under the big locust tree.
If you come to Shanxi, you must go home.
The immigrant time of Hongdong Dahuaishu began from the southward migration of the Song Dynasty at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, to the climax of Hongwu and Yongle in the Ming Dynasty, and lasted until the middle of the Qing Dynasty.
From the third year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty to the fifteenth year of Yongle, in the past 50 years, 18 large-scale official immigration activities took place under the big locust tree in Hongdong, Shanxi, and millions of people were relocated from under the big locust tree to Beijing and Hebei. , Henan, Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu and other 18 provinces, more than 500 counties and cities. After 600 years of migration and multiplication, wherever there are Chinese in the world, there are descendants of immigrants from the Hongdong pagoda tree.
There are stories about "relieving hands", "backing hands" and "connecting hands".
In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, the "King of Yan Sweeps the North" war broke out, blood staining the land. Local officials at that time, because they could not complete the task of paying taxes to the country, reported to the imperial court one after another, and the imperial court approved the announcement and decided to immigrate from Shanxi and Hebei to Shandong.
On the way, the escorted personnel needed to urinate and defecate, so they had to ask the escorting soldiers for help, and the soldiers said: "Okay, I will release your hands." This is the case in all escort teams. The word is still in use today. The toilets here are called "relieving hands".
There are also two words related to hands. One is "hands on the back". Many people say that hands on the back are also a typical feature of the descendants of the big locust tree, because when immigrating under the big locust tree, people walked with their hands tied behind their backs to prevent the people from escaping. It has become a habit, and the descendants of the big locust tree still have this habit. Now they walk with their hands behind their backs, and they feel quite comfortable. The other is "Lian Shou". In Hongdong and many places, friends are also called "Lian Shou". This is because the hands of immigrants are tied to a rope when they move out. We share weal and woe, and when we arrive at the destination, we become friends who see the truth in adversity. This word is generally used to express an extremely close friend, and it is only used for very good friends.
The performances in the scenic area are also very rich, presenting the stories and legends here vividly. Walking around, and then sitting down to watch the performance, it is both pleasant and intriguing.
Qikou Ancient Town, the First Town of Jiuqu Yellow River
Qikou is an ancient ferry crossing in Linxian County, Shanxi Province. In ancient times, the lower reaches of the Yellow River were dangerous, and ships traveling from the upper reaches often moored at Qikou and turned to dry roads.
From the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China, relying on the Yellow River water transport, it became an important commercial center in the north. It enjoys the reputation of "the first town of the Yellow River with nine bends" and is one of the birthplaces of Shanxi merchants.
The profound historical culture, the endlessly surging Yellow River, the undulating Loess Plateau and Luliang Mountain make the beautiful natural scenery and unique cultural landscape complement each other in Qikou.
There are "old houses" of Shanxi merchants with architectural characteristics on the Loess Plateau. The ancient town is still quaint, with stone roads at the foot, Gaoge terraces on both sides, eaves connected to eaves, and shops next to shops.
There are Ming and Qing style brick carvings, wood carvings, and stone carvings in old shops, time-honored shops, and old houses. There is culture and art everywhere. Strolling on the Wuli Long Street, it is as if you have passed through a space-time tunnel and stepped into history at once. Everything is so long, deep and heavy.
This is also the first time to sail on the Yellow River by boat. There are many strange rocks on both sides of the river. Moored here, you can take a picture with your mobile phone.
After nightfall, watching a live performance of "Like a Dream of Qikou" about the ancient town of Qikou is even more enjoyable. On the 360° rotating viewing platform, watch the rushing Yellow River, listen to the camel bells of business travelers, recall the legends of Shanxi merchants, and appreciate the folk customs of Qikou.
tail
Seek out the source and explore the secrets, travel and read Shanxi. Shanxi is a melting pot for the construction and formation of the Chinese nation.
Without Shanxi, where would the Chinese nation come from?
The trip to Shanxi, as a son and daughter of the Chinese people, always has to take a trip.
About Raiders Tips
Pingyao Ancient City Tips
Coordinates of Pingyao Ancient City: No. 58, Zhaobi South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
See also Pingyao performance venue: Impression Theater, No. 154 Shuncheng Road, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
See also Pingyao performance ticket price: from 238 yuan / person
Food recommendation
This Tianyuankui restaurant in the ancient city of Pingyao is still worth recommending. Don't forget to order a beef pot and dry a bowl of vinegar. In addition to Shanxi mature vinegar, many shops in the ancient city will brew some fruit vinegar. Royal concubine vinegar, hawthorn vinegar, barley vinegar, etc. are really delicious, and it’s good to take some back to accompany salads.
About accommodation
We live in the ancient city of Pingyao. There are many inns in it. You can check them online in advance and choose according to your preferences, but remember to book in advance.
We live in this another one-bedroom inn. There is no way for the car to drive into the entrance of the ancient city inn, so it can only be placed in the parking lot outside the ancient city. The owner of the inn will pick us up at the entrance of the ancient city. When entering the ancient city, you must wear a mask and queue up to show your health code and the ancient city reservation code to enter (there is a special channel at the entrance of the ancient city to scan the ancient city reservation code)
The overall layout of this inn is good, the boss will prepare breakfast, and the room is the old-fashioned kang, which is relatively hard. The hardware facilities are average, and the kettle is not ideal.
Ancient city traffic
Train: All trains passing through Pingyao usually stop in Pingyao. Beijing, Taiyuan and Xi'an all have direct trains to Pingyao. The train from Taiyuan to Pingyao runs almost every hour, and it takes only 10 minutes to walk from the railway station to the ancient city.
High-speed rail: Pingyao Ancient City Station (high-speed rail station) is 8 kilometers away from the ancient city by taxi (30 yuan)
Tips for the performance of "Like a Dream"
Number of performances: Every night, the performance starts at 20:00
Theater Address: Qilin Villa, Qikou Ancient Town, Linxian County, Luliang City
Tickets for the performance: 168 yuan/person for adults
Hongdong big locust tree tips
Coordinates: No. 002, Park Street, Guhuai North Road, Hongdong County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province
Tickets: RMB 60 for adults, RMB 40 for children
transportation:
Self-driving: Get off at the Hongdong exit on the expressway and arrive at the scenic spot
Bus: Get off at Hongdong Railway Station, go south to Hongdong Central Square, at the crossroad on the east side of the square, take bus No. 3 (to the north) and get off at Dahuaishu Park, go west to Dahuaishu tourist attraction .
Yao Temple Tips
Coordinates: Yaomiao Village, Yaodu District, Linfen City, Shanxi Province
Rack price: 50 yuan
