Fuzhou Ancient City

　　Miancheng is a historic and culturally rich ancient city. From the Western Wei of the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the early years of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it served as the administrative center of commanderies, prefectures, and counties, functioning as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the former Mianyang region. Historically, Miancheng had three cities, whose ruins are arranged in a triangular formation: one in the southeast is Fuzhou Ancient City, built in the early Tang Dynasty; one in the northeast is Jiangbei City, built in the early Song Dynasty; and one in the west is Mianyang City, built in the early Ming Dynasty. The area was called Fuzhou before the Song Dynasty, hence the name Fuzhou Ancient City. Some of the bricks used to build Mianyang City in the early Ming Dynasty were taken from the original Fuzhou Ancient City, as evidenced by the inscriptions "Supervised by Yu Chi Gong" on the bricks.

　　 The ancient Miancheng once thrived with bustling markets: towering city walls stood firmly, houses were densely packed, and streets spread across the inner and outer city, covering an area of over ten square miles. Yet, history proved harsh. In 1938, dramatic changes occurred when the Japanese invaders launched air raids and bombings; from 1941 to 1943, General Wang Jingye of the 128th Division implemented a scorched-earth resistance strategy, setting the city ablaze. What was once a splendid cultural ancient city turned into ruins, and millennia-old landmarks were reduced to ashes.

　　 Rebuilding the ancient city wall has been a long-cherished dream of generations of Miancheng residents and also a significant move by the Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town Party Committee and government to implement their “Tourism-Driven Development” strategy. To fully explore the historical culture of the ancient city, enhance its tourism and cultural depth, and elevate the level and taste of Miancheng tourism, on June 28, 2006, the reconstruction project of the ancient city wall was ceremoniously launched at the original site of Fuzhou Ancient City—“Duan Di Kou.” The construction project was undertaken by Daye Yinzu Ancient Architecture and Landscape Engineering Company, with an investment of nearly 5 million yuan. It took about a year and a half, and the first phase of the project has now been completed.

　　 Fuzhou Ancient City lies to the north of a newly developed ethnic industrial park, to the east of the pastoral scenery of Honghao Yuan, to the south of the Mianyangzhou Leisure Farm, and to the west of the Qili Yuan ecological lotus viewing area covering thousands of acres. The city wall stretches 350 meters in length, stands 6 meters tall, and extends continuously from north to south while connecting east to west, presenting a majestic and spectacular view. The watchtowers rise dozens of meters high, adorned with carved beams, painted rafters, bright ridges, and upturned eaves. Inside, there are ancient and modern poetry couplets, odes, and famous oil paintings of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Mianyang,” collected from across the nation and from our compatriots in Taiwan. These artworks capture the essence of the Jianghan region and embody the refined charm of Jingchu culture.

　　 The ancient city of Fuzhou, now rebuilt, stands tall and imposing, radiating grandeur; its new pavilions reach toward the sky, proudly facing the heavens. It retains the charm of the past while embracing a new look. Ascending the tower with a drink in hand, one can’t help but sigh at the fleetingness of time; leaning on the railing with a book in mind, one reflects on the vicissitudes of history. Walking along the ramparts and taking in the panoramic view, the scenery fills one’s heart. Miles of lotus flowers exude a delicate fragrance, and endless fields glow with lush greenery... This is perfectly captured in the verse:

　　 Miancheng’s misty rain magnifies the heroic state;     The changing landscape has seen many autumns.     Gazing across the eight-hundred-mile land of Chu,     Endless beauty rises to the high towers above.