Banlili

Banlili

Banlili Village is currently the most well-preserved village in China that maintains the historical and cultural heritage of the She ethnic group. The village has a history of over 300 years and is a purely She-inhabited community, with most villagers surnamed Lei. The village boasts many ancient structures, including the Longxi Palace, a Mazu statue, and the Scholar’s Mansion. The village has produced many talented individuals, including four scholars and one successful imperial examination candidate. The famous Scholar’s Mansion covers an area of more than 1,300 square meters, with 38 rooms of various sizes. It is said to have taken Lei Shiru a full 80 taels of silver and three years to complete.

At the entrance of the village stands the main ancestral and ceremonial temple, “Longxi Palace,” built in the 8th year of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty. It is the most magnificent ancient structure in Banlili Village. In addition to enshrining ancestors and heroic figures of the She people, the temple also houses a statue of Mazu.

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 days

Transportation: From Fuzhou, take the Ring Expressway and Shenhai Expressway to Xiapu, then enter X961 and subsequently X982 to finally reach Banlili Village.

Ticket: 50 RMB

Location of the attraction

Banlili Village, Bailukeng Administrative Village, Xinan Town, Xiapu County, Fujian Province