Taining Ancient Town

Taining Ancient Town

Taining Ancient Town is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a cultural heritage site.

Taining Ancient Town is located in Taining County. According to local chronicles and other historical records, the ancient town was formerly known as "Jinchengchang." During the Western Han Dynasty, it served as an imperial hunting ground for King Wuzhu of Minyue. The county was established in the first year of the Zhongxing era of the Southern Tang Dynasty (958 AD). The Song and Ming dynasties marked the peak of Taining’s prosperity, earning it the reputation of an "ancient town of the Han and Tang, a famous city of the Song." At that time, the area flourished culturally and materially. Historical figures such as Li Gang, Zhu Xi, and Yang Shi once resided and lectured here. Historically, Taining produced two top imperial examination scholars (zhuangyuan), over 50 jinshi (successful imperial examination candidates), and was known for sayings such as "two zhuangyuan across the river," "four jinshi from one family," and "nine juren from one alley." Successive generations saw many individuals appointed to noble ranks at the imperial court. In the first year of Yuanyou during the Song Dynasty (1086 AD), Emperor Zhezong of Song bestowed the name "Taining" upon the county—derived from the homophonic "Tai Min" in the phrase "Tai Guo Min An" (meaning "peaceful nation and contented people") from Confucius’ ancestral title—as its official name, which has been used ever since.

The Shangshu Mansion architectural complex within Taining Ancient Town is a nationally designated key cultural relic protection unit. This complex encompasses buildings from over 500 years, spanning the early Ming to the late Qing dynasties, covering a total area of more than 12,700 square meters. It integrates official residences, civilian homes, ancestral halls, auxiliary structures for production and daily life, shops, as well as ancient streets and alleys. The layout is grand and well-organized, with exquisite craftsmanship. Entering the Shangshu Mansion gives one the feeling of stepping into an unapproachably noble residence; the Shide Hall evokes the warmth of a harmonious large family; the Li Family Ancestral Hall immerses you in the lively atmosphere of a traditional opera stage; the private small halls offer a sense of comfort and tranquility; and the Buddhist hall where elders recite scriptures fills the air with the scent of incense, creating an ethereal experience... The entire Shangshu Mansion complex, from its overall structure to its details, stands as a testament to history, a masterpiece of architecture, and a continuation of culture. It holds immense artistic value and is considered one of the most typical and intact ancient residential architectural complexes in northwest Fujian, southeast Jiangxi, and even the Jiangnan region.

Another cultural highlight of Taining Ancient Town is the Jinhu Folk Performance Theater. The Meilin Opera performed here is one of China’s rare local opera genres. Its singing style blends folk songs, ditties, Taoist music, local melodies, as well as elements of Pihuang, Huizhou tune, Zhejiang tune, Nanbei Ci, and Bozi, all showcasing strong local characteristics of northwest Fujian. In terms of roles, it incorporates the strengths of various styles, famously described as "seven tight, eight wide, nine carefree," covering all major roles including sheng (male), dan (female), jing (painted face), mo (middle-aged male), and chou (clown), with unique styles of singing, acting, recitation, and combat. The performances are simple yet rugged, with profound charm. The self-composed and directed period drama "The Story of the Relegated Official" won three major awards—including Best Play, Best Scriptwriter, and Best Actor—at the "Best of the Best Troupes" performance exhibition organized by the Ministry of Culture. The folk ritual dance Nuo Dance is primitive and unrestrained, passionate and lively. The civil deities appear dignified, the martial deities are vigorous, the shoulder-pole deity is majestic, and the Bozi frame dance is dynamic. Traditional performances such as ancestor worship, bridal processions, acrobatics, and song-and-dance shows add to the lively and delightful atmosphere.

Additionally, Taining is a revolutionary base area and one of the 21 Soviet counties designated by the central government. During the Agrarian Revolutionary War, the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army liberated Taining three times, establishing party organizations and a Soviet regime. Within the ancient town, well-preserved sites such as Red Army Street, the Red Army Headquarters, and the Eastern Army Command remain. Veteran proletarian revolutionaries such as [names omitted], Peng Dehuai, [names omitted], and Kang Keqing once strategized and commanded military operations here. Moreover, the town's richness in traditional specialties and local snacks with fascinating backstories adds to its charm. Unique treats such as "Biyu Roll," "Zhuangyuan Glutinous Rice," "Shangshu Wine," and "Nuanguo Buns," along with mountain delicacies, are sure to leave a lasting impression.

According to planning, Taining Ancient Town will be developed with the Shangshu Mansion and Shide Hall as its core, framed by ancient streets and alleys such as Jinshi Street, Jujv Lane, Shangshu Lane, and Zhuangyuan Street. The project will be carried out in phases to build the “Four Gardens, Three Streets, One Line.” These include the “Taining Celebrity Leisure Garden,” “Ancient Town Folk Custom Garden,” “China Zhuangyuan Culture Garden,” “Ming Dynasty Ancient Architecture Appreciation Garden,” as well as the “Film and Television Street,” “Tourism Integrity Shopping Street,” “Local Snack Street,” and a scenic waterway tour around the ancient town. Gradually, this will form a premium cultural tourism product of the Greater Jinhu Area, centered on the well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture and local traditional folk customs. With the backdrop of the town’s scholarly prosperity during the Song Dynasty and themed around the showcase of China’s imperial examination culture, it will integrate educational, participatory, and entertainment elements.

Address: Taining Ancient Town Tourist Area, Shangshu Mansion, Taining County, Sanming City (west of Zuosheng Road)

Type: Ancient town/village

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 55.0 RMB