The Ancient Site of Baimajing

　　The Ancient Site of Baimajing is a renowned tourist attraction in Hainan. Situated in Baimajing Town, Danzhou City, it lies more than 50 kilometers from Nada Town. The site's main attractions include the "Baima Spring" and the Temple of General Fubo. Legend has it that during the Han Dynasty, the heroic General Ma Fubo led a southern campaign. When his white horse pawed at the sand, a clear spring gushed forth—hence the name. Later, to honor this Han Dynasty hero, people built the Fubo Temple and the Fubo Well. Thus, the "Baima Spring" and the Temple of General Fubo have become popular tourist spots.

　　Records of the Ancient Site of Baimajing date back to the Sui and Tang Dynasties. The old records of Baoyi Prefecture state: "The later General Fubo rode a white horse that pawed the sand to reveal a spring, which became a well. Since it was only forty-five steps from the sea waves, its water was clear and sweet. Locals built the Fubo Temple atop the well." It also says: "In the fifth year of the Xiantong era during the reign of Emperor Yizong of the Tang Dynasty, Xin Chuan and Li Si led troops through Nan Tan Port. Thirsty, their white horse dashed across the sand to find a spring." In 1961, Guo Moruo, an eminent modern Chinese writer, poet, historian, and archaeologist, visited and investigated Baimajing. In his poem "Baimajing Port," the preface includes textual research on the ancient site: "Near the port, there is said to be a well and a shrine dedicated to General Fubo. Legend says when General Fubo arrived, his white horse kicked the ground to reveal a spring, and thus the well was dug and named 'Baima' (White Horse). But this is mere speculation based on the name. In fact, 'Baima' refers to Fubo. In ancient times, the light labial sounds were not distinguished—'Fu' was pronounced like 'Bai,' and 'Bo' and 'Ma' sound similar. From these ancient pronunciations, we can determine that General Fubo did indeed come to Dan’er. However, it is unclear whether it was Lu Fubo or Ma Fubo." Su Dongpo wrote in "Record of Fubo’s Ode": 'The Han Dynasty had two Generals Fubo, both contributing greatly to the people of the Lingnan region. The earlier Fubo was Puyi, Marquis of Lu Gao. The later Fubo was Xinxi, Marquis of Ma. … Historical accounts differ, and no definitive conclusion has been reached.' Su Dongpo, who lived over nine hundred years ago, found it difficult to reach a 'definitive conclusion'—how much harder it is today.

　　With the development of Yangpu Port and the establishment of the Baimajing Development Zone and Baimajing Border Trade Market, Baimajing Town has seen the construction of upscale accommodation and dining facilities such as Baimajing Hotel, Golden Port Grand Hotel, and Kunma Grand Hotel. Program-controlled telephone lines have been installed, along with a one-kilometer-long commercial street. The street features over 200 motorcycle taxis and ferry motorboats, providing a range of tourism services for visitors. The number of domestic and international tourists has been steadily increasing.