Local China: Lantian

Author: Zhang Xiaojun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Lan Ting is an ancient village with a history of over a thousand years, located in the valley of the Greater Dongshan Mountain area in Gutian County, southeastern Fujian. Historically, the ancient road from Ningde along the coast to northern Fujian passed through the village, and one can imagine the strong figures of mountain carriers on the paths and the flickering lights of inns by the streams. Today, the Ningde-Gutian Provincial Highway runs through the center of the village, the solid cement road carrying the dust raised by passing wheels, dividing this once prosperous and secluded mountain village in two. Under the main road in the west of the village, it is said that ancient steles are still buried, dating back to the time when the Song Dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi came to Lan Ting College to lecture, spreading Confucianism throughout the village. The steles bear the historical pride of the people of Lan Ting: "A land where sages have passed and transformed."