Xiufu Ancient Village

Xiufu Ancient Village

Xiufu Ancient Village is located southwest of Renhua County. Starting from the county town and passing through Dalin and Chewan, you’ll reach the confluence of the Dongtang River and the Jinjiang River, about 15 kilometers from the county seat with convenient transportation. Historically, it was the foremost commercial port along the lower reaches of the Jinjiang River. It is situated at the center of the Yangyuan Mountain and Bazhai scenic areas within the Danxia Mountain World Natural Heritage site. It combines the unique scenery of danxia landforms and the Jinjiang River, making it a great destination for mountain adventures and water activities. It brings together natural ecology and pastoral views, making it an ideal location for eco-tourism and sightseeing agriculture. It also fuses local customs and historical culture, providing a wonderful place for food, accommodation, entertainment, and leisure holidays.

Nestled against mountains and facing water, Xiufu Ancient Village boasts vast farmlands, with bamboo groves encircling the village and green hills sloping beyond. Mist shrouds the citrus trees, while clouds cast light on rice blossoms. Open the windows to fields and gardens, and chat by the river bend with fishermen and woodcutters — it’s the perfect harmony between humans and nature. The village has seven ancient banyan trees over 300 years old, witnessing centuries of dynastic change. The grand entrance of the Li Clan Ancestral Hall, danxia stone pillars, the solemn presence of the northwest watchtower, the dignified architecture of five ancestral halls, as well as ornate eaves, caisson ceilings, courtyards, and screens — all showcase exquisite brick carvings, plaster reliefs, finely crafted altars, shrines, carved window patterns, decorative trims, ancient couplets, and plaques, reflecting the inheritance of an ancient cultural heritage.

Since the Li family migrated to Xiufu during the De’you era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1275 AD), their descendants have enjoyed a prosperous life thanks to the fertile soil, abundant water, and rich resources. Starting with a tradition of farming and scholarship, from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties to the Republican era, each period produced elite individuals. A total of 19 candidates passed the imperial examinations for juren and gongshi degrees, many became martial arts scholars, and numerous attended the Whampoa Military Academy. Those who served as officials, retired from public service, or engaged in business all achieved notable success. In the late Qing and early Republican period, 11 villagers studied abroad in the UK, France, Belgium, and Italy, with some even contributing to the Hundred Days' Reform movement. Li Zhanyuan, a successful candidate in the imperial examination during the Guangxu era, served as the magistrate of Renhua County in the early Republican period. His younger brother, Li Zhaohua, graduated from the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy and once served as deputy division commander of the Northern Expeditionary Army. Modern talents who have made contributions in various fields are equally ambitious. Indeed, Xiufu has been blessed with outstanding individuals in every generation.

Behind its scholarly culture, the village also enjoys vibrant folk activities: festive lion dances during celebrations, “village parades” during the Lantern Festival, “Moon Sister Songs,” and “Mountain Tune” dances full of humor. Among these, the “Xiufu Love Songs” stand out with their original vocal styles and lyrics, expressing the voices of love and emotional connection between men and women, passed down through generations with a unique charm. There’s also the Dragon Head Flying during the Dragon Boat Festival and Xiufu’s unique “Story Parade” performances, all rich in cultural significance.

The earliest settlement of Xiufu was established at “Miaozikeng.” It was believed to be a spiritually vibrant place due to the “turtle and snake” formations guarding the river mouth. Legend has it that “five oxen” entered the village, with the original “Shangjiaotou” being a “bull head mound,” followed by “Zhaitai Dun,” “Kanxia Dun,” “Tongyou Dun,” “Shutou Dun,” and “Miaoqian Dun” — hence the “five oxen” symbolizing the “Five Elites.” The character of the villagers is often described as ox-like: hardworking, determined, resilient, unyielding, and upright. This humanistic trait has also shaped the steadfast character of the people of Xiufu in establishing themselves and pursuing their endeavors.

With fertile land and diligent people, the area flourishes with abundant produce and diverse specialties. The mountains yield danxia orchids, danxia phoenix trees, and red-flowered crape myrtles — all unique to Danxia Mountain. Rare medicinal herbs like cliff-dendrobium and resurrection plant are also found here. Xiufu brown sugar was renowned across northern Guangdong as early as the 1960s. Xiufu pomelos were introduced to the hometown by Li Ziyu, a native of Xiufu who served as magistrate of Rong County in Guangxi during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, and have a history of over 100 years. The cultivation and quality of yam in Xiufu are also top-notch in Renhua. Hence, Xiufu is known for its “Three Flowers” — phoenix tree, crape myrtle, and dendrobium; its “Three Treasures” — brown sugar, yam, and pomelo; its “Three Dishes” — snail, mud fish, and braised pork; its “Three Local Products” — pickled bamboo shoots, radish, and red lotus root; and its “Heartwarming Snacks” — sugar melon, peanuts, and boiled pomelo peel.

These distinctive local delicacies are everyday fare for locals, yet they offer visitors a unique taste of the fishing and farming dietary culture.

Source: People’s Government of Renhua County