Hanma Fubo Well

　　The "Best Spring in the South of Heaven" is called the Hanma Fubo Well

　　, which is an ancient well from the Han Dynasty.

　　It is located on the west coast of Dongfang City, Hainan Province.

　　The mouth of the Hanma Fubo Well is quite large, with a diameter of over eight feet. According to local legend, the well was originally square-shaped but was later expanded into a round one and built with bricks. Nearby, there used to be a Temple to Fubo, which has long been in ruins. A stone tablet is embedded in the wall, inscribed with “Hanma Fubo Well” and signed “Qianlong Xinsi” (the 26th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign in the Qing Dynasty, i.e., 1761 AD). According to Guo Moruo, a renowned modern Chinese historian, archaeologist, and great poet, who inspected Hainan Island in 1961 and examined this well, it was indeed built during the reign of Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty by General Ma Yuan, who rendered meritorious service in Hainan and governed the region. This makes the well over 1,950 years old.

　　The water of the Hanma Fubo Well is cool in summer and warm in winter. Hundreds of households in Shisuo Village draw water from it, and even during droughts, the well never dries up. Since ancient times, its water has been clear and sweet, hence earning the reputations of the “Best Spring in the South of Heaven” and the “Sweetest Spring of Gan’en.” When the great poet Guo Moruo visited the well, he studied historical records, tasted the water, and praised it repeatedly, spontaneously composing a poem: “The spring water is uniquely clear, unlike river water; the ancient well still speaks of General Ma Fubo. One can imagine the days when troops were stationed here, with soldiers drawing water in a constant stream. With only three percent salt content, drinking this reveals its true sweetness. Since ancient times, people have benefited from it, a glory surpassing even the bronze pillar in the south. Cooked Job’s tears can make porridge, used by soldiers to stave off morning hunger. Though his achievements were great, people regarded him as a mere jewel; the ancient well, however, knows its own tranquility.”

　　The Best Spring in the South of Heaven is surrounded by mountains, often shrouded in mist, offering extreme serenity. A mountain river flows down from the west, exuding a rich concentration of negative ions that bring a refreshing natural aroma, making one feel refreshed and joyful. Accommodation options include standard guest rooms, luxury villas with hot springs, or Yao-style wooden cottage villas.

　　The “Best Spring in the South of Heaven” has been listed as a key cultural relic under protection by the Dongfang Municipal People's Government. Tourists visiting Hainan who come to Basuo will definitely make a point to see this well and taste its sweet water, adding another enjoyable experience to their trip.

　　Location: Located on the west coast of Dongfang City, 5 kilometers south of Basuo Town, in Shisuo Village, Luodai Township.