Gathering Essence, Traversing a Millennia-Old County, Exploring Gutian's Cultural Heritage

Gutian was established as a county in the 29th year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, with a history spanning over a thousand years. It was formerly one of the 'Ten Counties of Fuzhou' and is now a county under Ningde's jurisdiction, located in the northeastern part of Fujian Province, on the northern bank of the middle and lower reaches of the Min River. It is renowned as 'One Capital' (China's Capital of Edible Fungi), 'Two Zones' (old revolutionary base zone and reservoir zone), and 'Five Hometowns' (Hometown of Overseas Chinese, Hometown of Hydropower, Hometown of Fruits, Hometown of Hongqu Red Yeast Rice, and Hometown of Culture and Sports). Rich natural resources, profound cultural heritage, diverse human customs, and breathtaking landscapes have allowed this millennia-old county to radiate vitality even after the passage of time.

Special Local Products, Abundant and Rich

Gutian is rich in products, abundant in edible fungi, fruits, red yeast rice, freshwater fish, forest bamboo, and more. As the 'China's Capital of Edible Fungi,' this land embodies the hard work, wisdom, and strength of the Gutian people. Since the 1970s, Gutian's edible fungi cultivation technology has advanced rapidly, achieving three major breakthroughs in the artificial cultivation of white fungus, shiitake mushrooms, and bamboo fungus. To date, 38 varieties of edible fungi have been developed and planted, with white fungus production accounting for over 90% of the national total. The edible fungi industry has become the economic pillar industry, rural revitalization industry, and wealth-boosting industry for Gutian County.

(Image note: Gutian white fungus)

The finest red yeast rice comes from Gutian. Gutian's red yeast rice gained considerable fame during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, as reflected in the verse, 'Farmers often make yeast, She guests seldom rent mountains.' In addition, Gutian is also a renowned hometown of fruits across Fujian, producing high-quality peaches, Nai plums, Furong plums, navel oranges, persimmons, and other fruits that sell well throughout the country.

(Image note: Gutian Furong plum)

Literary Landscape, Poetic Beauty

Gutian boasts towering peaks, vast verdant forests, and an array of lakes, hot springs, waterfalls, and grasslands interspersed within, creating a picturesque ink-wash landscape painting. Nature is poetic, mountains and waters are picturesque. In this beautiful Gutian, where the four seasons alternate with stunning scenery, lies Cuiping Lake, known as the 'First Lake of the Strait,' the largest natural alpine grassland in East China—Shanyang Baixi Grassland—and the 'natural oxygen bar' Baiyan Cave.

(Image note: Scenery of Gutian's Cuiping Lake)

Ecological construction shapes a beautiful Gutian. Focusing on regional characteristics, Gutian builds on its cultural heritage, leveraging natural scenery as a highlight for external promotion. By fully utilizing local ecological features and industrial advantages, it has created a beautiful city that harmoniously integrates mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, and lakes, combining ornamental, economic, and cultural values.

Scholars and Talents, a Land of Prominence

In this picturesque land of Gutian, where refined energy converges and civilization flows, the everlasting mountains, rivers, and outstanding talents complement each other, deeply rooting cultural veins and revealing the unique charm of Chinese cities to the world.

Gutian has long been known for its profound historical and cultural heritage. The famous Neo-Confucian scholar and educator Zhu Xi once lectured here, making it a place 'transformed by ancient sages.' Over a thousand years, Gutian has flourished in humanities and produced numerous talents. During the Southern Song Dynasty alone, there were 90 successful candidates in the imperial examinations. From the Yuan Dynasty to the present, Gutian has produced notable figures such as the famous writer Zhang Yining from the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, Yu Zhengjian awarded 'Teacher Exemplar under Heaven' by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty military general Gan Guobao who defended Taiwan, and Zeng Guangdou, a notable figure who suppressed unrest in Taiwan during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty.

In addition, Gutian is home to the protector of women and children, Chen Jinggu, and her ancestral temple, the Linshui Palace in Gutian; the famous historical and cultural town of Shanyang; Master Yuan Ying, a leader of Chinese Buddhism known as 'Nine Times Abbot,' and his ancient temple Jile Temple (Paradise Temple); and the anthropology and ethnology master Lin Yaohua and his former residence. These cultural landmarks have influence both in China and around the world.

(Image note: Chen Jinggu and her ancestral temple, Linshui Palace in Gutian)

Blending of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, Giving Rise to an Eminent Monk

Gutian's Confucian culture has a long history, with an enduring tradition of respecting Confucianism and valuing education. The patriotic eminent monk Master Yuan Ying accumulated profound Confucian scholarship and Buddhist thought here. Gutian's folk culture is simple, diverse, and forms the core foundation of Master Yuan Ying's lofty spirit and fine character. The integration of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism in Gutian not only deeply influenced Master Yuan Ying's patriotic, religious, and peace-loving ideology but also played a subtle role in shaping Gutian's folk customs and social values.

Cultural and Tourism Integration, City Brand

Gutian, as a city, preserves its historical heritage, transmits cultural spirit, and integrates the zeitgeist. It is a place laden with profound human history and abundant natural resources, attracting visitors with its unique charm, leaving them with endless memories and moments.

(Image note: Night view of Gutian)

With a thousand-year historical legacy, Gutian has laid a solid foundation for local cultural and tourism development through its unique natural conditions and cultural heritage. On this basis, Gutian County follows the trend of cultural and tourism integration, adheres to the original vision of creating a 'Charming Gutian,' integrates resources, and leverages core competitiveness such as Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist culture, edible fungi culture, cultural tourism resources, and humanistic spirit to craft this city brand that integrates cultural tourism, leisure entertainment, study and exchange, and ecological homeland.