Hongdu Ancient Town

Hongdu Ancient Town

Hongdu is one of the ancient towns along the Wu River and was developed relatively early. Located in the northeastern corner of Yanhe Tujia Autonomous County, it is the last town in Guizhou Province through which the Wu River flows. The town combines natural scenery with a long history and boasts abundant cultural relics. Hongdu Ancient Town lies at the tail end of the Tuto Gorge and the head of the Wangtuo Gorge, at the junction of the two gorges. Its history can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty. Existing relics include a group of Han Dynasty brick and tile kilns and a cluster of Western Han tombs, with Han bricks and tiles found everywhere. A large number of cultural artifacts such as bronze ware, weapons, and Song Dynasty porcelain have been unearthed. In the second year of the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (619 AD), a county was established here, which was abolished in the eighth year of the Jiayou era of the Song Dynasty (1063 AD), existing as a county for 444 years. Hongdu Ancient Town was the first major town entering Guizhou in ancient times, holding a particularly unique economic and strategic position. It remains a frontier area for opening up eastern Guizhou. The town is rich in Tujia ethnic culture, with widely renowned folk songs and mountain ballads. The art of "Dalzi Zi" (a form of percussion music) is distinctive, using the "Eight Immortals" as musical notation names, with instruments handmade using traditional methods. These instruments do not require tuners yet produce remarkably accurate tones. In 2002, Hongdu Town was named a “Home of Folk Art” by the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture.

1) Tujia Dalzi Zi (Percussion Music)

The Chen Family Ensemble’s Dalzi Zi performance in Dongzi Village, Hongdu Town, also known as “playing luggage,” is a widely practiced form of folk percussion music in the area. Dalzi Zi is performed with a set of percussion instruments including a large gong, a large drum, a small gong, and cymbals. Sometimes a suona is used to lead the ensemble, with the small gong serving as both the leading instrument and the conductor of the band. The cymbals are divided into first and second pairs, used alternately. The large gong is used to fill phrases and conclude sections. There are over 70 musical pieces, such as “Double Streamers,” “Four Flat Tones,” “Tiger Descending the Mountain,” “Crows Bickering Among Plum Blossoms,” “Ants Climbing a Tree,” and “Flower Pillow.” The performances are richly varied, with strong rhythms, blending intensity with gentleness, and creating an atmosphere that is both stirring and melodious. The ensemble typically has six members and often performs during festivals, weddings, and funerals to enhance the festive or solemn atmosphere.

2) Military Gate Prohibition Stele

The Military Gate Prohibition Stele stands about half a kilometer southwest of Hongdu Town, near the Administrative Office. The stele is 1.7 meters tall and 1 meter wide. It was erected on October 15 of the 43rd year of the Wanli era in the Ming Dynasty (1615 AD) by local elders Chen Sizhong and Chen Zaixin, along with village pact representatives Xiong Qier, Deng Qingbin, and Chen Tianjue.

Hongdu Ancient Town is rich in tourism resources. The Hongdu Hot Springs within the area hold great development potential, the natural scenery of the Hongdu River is captivating, and the relics of the ancient town offer much food for thought.