Ancient Town of Renju

Ancient Town of Renju

The ancient town of Renju was historically known as “Haojudu,” meaning “the place where noble and heroic people reside.” Located in the northwest of Pingyuan County at the junction of Fujian, Guangdong, and Jiangxi provinces, it lies 36 kilometers from the county seat. It serves as a commercial hub for surrounding towns as well as neighboring areas in Jiangxi and Fujian. Its annual retail sales of consumer goods exceed 23 million yuan. In 2001, it was designated as a central town by the provincial government.

Since the Southern Qi Dynasty, people have migrated to this area and settled here, leaving behind many scenic spots and historic sites such as the “Twin Bridges Like a Rainbow” and the Wenchang Pavilion. The town boasts an exceptional concentration of well-preserved ancient architecture, beautiful old streets, exquisitely crafted bridges, and elegant traditional houses—rare even within Meizhou and the whole province. Cultural heritage sites such as the Zoufang Confucian Temple, Xiaosulü, Jingxia Wu House, and the vaults of the Four Major Banks have been successfully listed as provincial-level cultural protection units, accounting for nearly a quarter of the city’s total. The Red Fourth Army Memorial Park is the first of its kind in the province dedicated to commemorating the Red Fourth Army.

Renju Town enjoys a sound ecological environment, with eight villages recognized as “Ecological Villages of Meizhou.” It is the largest specialty production base for clementines in the county and even the entire province, with the orange industry having become a pillar of the local economy. The area has also been certified as the origin of clementines.

This picturesque small mountain town, having endured the tests of time, is now attracting visitors from all directions with its unique charm.

Today, crossing the South Gate Bridge—newly built in the 1960s—brings you to the new urban area of Renju. Zhongshan Street, laid out in a cross pattern, is lined with shops offering a dazzling array of goods, among which appliance stores are especially impressive. All kinds of motor vehicles shuttle through. There are also the Post and Telecommunications Building, the Industry and Commerce Building, the outpatient building of the Health Center, and a well-stocked farmers’ market. On the 2nd, 5th, and 8th days of each lunar month, crowds from Jiangxi, Fujian, and nearby towns come bustling in, bringing a variety of agricultural and sideline products, creating a lively atmosphere. The Renju Bus Station operates daily routes to the county seat, as well as passing buses to Chagan, Huangshe, and the border areas of Fujian, while trucks can travel north to Xunwu. The newly built South Zhongshan Street in the 1980s leads directly to Lanshipo. Today, the ancient town of Renju is not only the political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub of the area, but also a center for trade and cultural exchange among border residents of the three provinces.

Standing on the high platform at the entrance of the ancient city wall, which now remains only in a small section, one can gaze into the distance to see the famous “Sunset Glow over Wind Terrace,” one of the Eight Scenic Spots of the Old County Yamen. Stretching into view are lush green mountains, with the middle rising and both sides slightly lower, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings ready to take flight.