Pucheng Liling Pass

Pucheng Liling Pass

Pucheng Liling Pass is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Fujian Province.

Pucheng Liling Pass

Era: Tang Dynasty

Location: Jiumu Village, Jiumu Town, Pucheng County

This pass is situated in Gaobuting Natural Village, Jiumu Village, Jiumu Town, Pucheng County. In ancient times, the mountain was known for its pear trees and was thus called Pear Ridge (Liling); in the early years of the Zhenyuan era during the Tang Dynasty, Lin Zao and his younger brother Lin Yun traveled together to the capital to take the imperial examinations. They inscribed their names at the top of the ridge, and later both brothers succeeded in passing the exams, leading to the name "Zhegui Ridge" (Laurel-Crowning Ridge); the ridge also has the Five Manifestations Temple, commonly referred to as Wuxian Ridge. The pass runs from north to south, with remnants of the wall stretching 30 meters in length, standing 3–5 meters high, 9 meters wide at the base and 6.5 meters wide at the top. The gate ruins stand 3.2 meters tall, 6.5 meters thick, and 3 meters wide. At the top of the southern side of the pass, the remains of barracks and a circular stone-lined spring well have been discovered. The well is 1.5 meters deep with a diameter of 0.65 meters. The spring water is crystal clear and sweet to the taste. According to local elders, the total length of the pass was about 80 meters. The gate was built with flagstone slabs, with a semi-circular arch at the top. On the southern side of the gatehouse were the words “Key to All of Fujian” (Quan Min Suo Yao), and on the northern side, “Pillar of Fujian’s Defense” (Yue Min Di Zhu). It was destroyed in 1933 (the 22nd year of the Republic of China) during the construction of the Jiangshan–Pucheng Highway. Liling Pass was grand in scale, surrounded by deep pits, steep cliffs, dense forests, rugged roads, and towering, majestic landscapes with beautiful mountains and clear waters, earning it the title of “The First Pass of Fujian.”

In Liling, there is an ancient stone-paved road leading to Jiangshan in Zhejiang. According to the *Du Shi Fang Yu Ji Yao* (Records of Historical Geography), “All those traveling from Zhejiang into Fujian would disembark from boats at Qinghu Ferry (south of Jiangshan City), then trek along this winding path over Liling Ridge to the western part of Pucheng County, where they would again leave the land and board boats to reach the coastal areas of Fujian.” Research indicates that this ancient road was first built during the Tang Dynasty. It stretches 3.6 kilometers in total ascent and descent, with each step measuring 2.7–3.6 meters in length and 0.75–0.8 meters in width. About 200 meters of the road remain relatively well-preserved.

Protected area: 20 meters outward from all sides of the pass wall, and 10 meters outward on both sides of the ancient official road.

In 2009, Pucheng Liling Pass was designated as part of the seventh batch of provincial-level cultural heritage sites by the People’s Government of Fujian Province.

Jiumu Village: Jiumu Village is the seat of the town government and serves as the “northern gateway” of Fujian where the three provinces of Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi meet. National Highway 205 runs through the village. It is located 37 kilometers from the county seat, over 80 kilometers from Jiangshan City in Zhejiang Province, and around 30 kilometers from Guangfeng County in Jiangxi Province. The village administers 13 natural villages and 10 villager groups. According to the county annals, during the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, a local man named Lin Pi had nine sons, all of whom were virtuous and became prefectural governors, earning the area the reputation of “Nine Governors’ Legacy” (Jiu Mu Liu Fang). The village covers an area of 14.62 square kilometers, sits at an elevation of 398 meters, and lies at 118°27' east longitude and 28°11' north latitude. It has 1,400 mu of arable land and... More details about Jiumu Village++

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of Provincial Cultural Heritage Sites in Fujian Province