The Xiacaopu Iron Smelting Site in Qingyang, Anxi

The Xiacaopu Iron Smelting Site in Qingyang, Anxi

The Xiacaopu Iron Smelting Site in Qingyang, Anxi is a cultural relic protection unit of Fujian Province.

The Xiacaopu Iron Smelting Site in Qingyang, Anxi is an ancient iron smelting site from the Song and Yuan dynasties and an important center for iron production in Quanzhou and Fujian. Archaeological discoveries reveal that the site spans approximately 10,000 square meters and contains remnants such as furnace bottoms, furnace walls, and iron smelting slag. Some excavation trenches have uncovered layers formed by slag, charcoal fragments, clay, and stones, confirming the site's identity as an iron smelting facility from the Song and Yuan periods. To date, over ten ancient mine shafts and two charcoal-burning sites have been identified. The discovery of the Xiacaopu Iron Smelting Site in Qingyang, Anxi demonstrates the development of Quanzhou’s iron smelting history, reflecting the economic prosperity of Quanzhou during the Song and Yuan dynasties, and provides significant physical evidence for the study of the historic sites of ancient Quanzhou (Zaitun).

Address: 450 meters south of Qingyang Village, Shangqing Township, Anxi County

Shangqing Township: A township under the jurisdiction of Anxi County. Established as Shangqing Commune in 1965 and reorganized as a township in 1984. Located in the central part of the county, it is 52 kilometers from the county seat. Covering an area of 1,164 square kilometers with a population of 380,000, it has road access. The township administers 17 village committees: Hanqing, Keyang, Keshan, Keming, Huangling, Qingyang, Yinjing, Zhongshan, Zaomei, Hanyuan, Xinlou, Youjun, Fulin, Zhaokeng, Zhongxing, Houfu, and Yuande. The main agricultural products are grain, tea, and fruit. Mineral resources include graphite and limestone. Major industries are bamboo and rattan weaving and hydropower stations. Local specialties include bamboo and rattan handicrafts. The area features the Baizhangqi Waterfall, a cliffside cascade... More details about Shangqing Township++

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Fujian Province