Foshan Culture

Foshan (佛山) was originally known as "Jihua Township" (季华乡). Historical records from the Ming and Qing dynasties indicate that Jihua Township included the present-day Zhumiao Street (祖庙街道), Shiwai Street (石湾街道), Guicheng Street (桂城街道), Beijiao Town (北滘镇), Lecong Town (乐从镇), and Chenchun Town (陈村镇). In the second year of the Long'an era (398 AD) of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, a monk from the Kingdom of Kasmir (now Kashmir) named Da Biye (达毗耶舍) brought two bronze Buddha statues to this area and built a temple on Tapo Hill (塔坡岗), spreading Buddhism. After he returned home, the temple gradually fell into ruin, leaving behind a hill.

On a day in the second year of the Zhenguan era (628 AD) of the Tang Dynasty, something extraordinary was discovered on Tapo Hill, prompting local villagers to gather. They excavated and uncovered three bronze Buddha statues; upon moving them, a spring of clear water gushed forth. According to the inscription, a monk from the Kingdom of Kasmir had established a temple here during the Eastern Jin period to propagate Buddhism. The villagers then built a well for water and reconstructed a temple on Tapo Hill to honor the three bronze Buddhas, declaring it "the Mountain of Buddhism." Thus, Jihua Township was renamed "Foshan." This gave rise to the saying, "Before there was Foshan, there was Tapo."

1. Origin of Place Names

Foshan

  • Originally known as Jihua Township (季华乡).
  • In the second year of the Long'an era (398 AD), a monk from Kashmir named Da Biye built a temple on Tapo Hill (塔坡岗) after bringing two bronze Buddha statues.
  • In the second year of the Zhenguan era (628 AD), three additional bronze Buddhas were discovered, leading to the renaming of Jihua Township to Foshan.

2. Cantonese Culture

  • Immigrant History: Since the Qin Dynasty, waves of immigrants settled in Lingnan (岭南). Notable families, such as the Shi, Li, Chen, and Huang families, brought various crafts, establishing Foshan's early manufacturing industry.
  • Economic Growth: During the Tang and Song dynasties, Foshan's handicrafts and commerce flourished. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became famous for ceramics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, establishing itself as a major trade hub.

3. Examination Culture

  • Foshan significantly contributed to the examination culture, producing 1,283 scholars, with Nanhai and Shunde accounting for nearly half. The city is known as the "Hometown of Scholars" due to its historical achievements in education.

4. Architecture and Traditional Crafts

Huǒ'ěr Wū (镬耳屋)

  • A hallmark of Cantonese architecture, typically built by families with notable achievements. Preserved examples include the Donghua Li ancient architectural complex and the Daqi Head ancient village.

Foshan Ceramics

  • With a history of over 700 years, Shiwai Kiln is renowned for its vibrant kiln changes and production of high-quality ceramics, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

5. Gardens and Natural Features

Lingnan Gardens

  • Reflecting deep Cantonese roots, notable examples include Qinghui Garden in Shunde and Liáng Garden in Foshan, celebrated as part of the "Four Great Gardens" of Lingnan.

Sangyuanwei (桑园围)

  • Built during the Northern Song Dynasty, this ancient water conservancy project initiated large-scale agricultural development in the Pearl River Delta.

6. Traditional Beliefs and Practices

Worship of the Northern Emperor

  • The Northern Emperor, or Zhenwu, is a revered deity in Cantonese culture. Foshan became a center for his worship, particularly at the Ancestor Temple, influencing practices throughout the Pearl River Delta.

7. Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture

  • Foshan is recognized as the birthplace of Lingnan patent medicine, with a thriving industry that has lasted over 400 years, featuring many well-established brands.

8. Arts and Performance

Lingnan School of Painting

  • The painting school flourished from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with notable figures like Lin Liang and Su Liupeng, contributing to its rich artistic heritage.

Cantonese Opera

  • A significant folk art form, with roots in Foshan, particularly associated with Li Yutang, known as the "Father of Cantonese Opera."