Fengjian Water Town in Foshan

Fengjian Water Town (逢简水乡) is located at the northern end of Xingtan Town (杏坛镇), Shunde District (顺德区), Foshan City (佛山市), Guangdong Province (广东省), covering an area of 5.2 square kilometers. It is one of the four major water towns in Guangdong and is also known as the “Little Zhouzhuang of Guangdong” (广东“小周庄”).

As one of Shunde’s earliest settlements, Fengjian has had a long history of habitation since the Western Han Dynasty (西汉), evolving from a market into a village by the Tang Dynasty (唐朝). Before the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋) Jading period, early settlers had already begun migrating to this area, gradually forming a village. The town is rich in cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites such as the Mingyuan Bridge (明远桥), a provincial cultural heritage site from the Song Dynasty (宋朝); the Liu Family Ancestral Hall (刘氏大宗祠), a provincial cultural heritage site from the Ming Dynasty (明朝); the Juji Bridge (巨济桥), a municipal cultural heritage site; and the Jin’ao Bridge (金鳌桥), which was bestowed by the Kangxi Emperor (清康熙皇帝). Additionally, the area is home to ancient temples, ancestral halls, residential houses, and old trees, offering deep historical and cultural significance.

In 2015, Fengjian Water Town (逢简水乡) was rated as a national AAA-level tourist attraction (国家AAA级旅游景区).

Geography and Climate

• Location: Northern end of Xingtan Town, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China (广东省佛山市顺德区杏坛镇北端)
• Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate (亚热带季风气候)
• Area: 5.2 km² (占地面积5.2 km²)
• Opening Hours: Open year-round (全年全天开放)
• Ticket Price: Free (免费)

Famous Attractions 

• Enrong Tower (恩荣楼)
• Liu Family Ancestral Hall (刘氏大宗祠)
• Mingyuan Bridge (明远桥)
• Juji Bridge (巨济桥)
• Jin’ao Bridge (金鳌桥)

History 

Fengjian (逢简) was one of the early settlements in Shunde, with its history tracing back to the Western Han Dynasty (西汉). By the 13th century, the area already had a village named “Feng Village” (逢村). According to the Shunde County Chronicle (《顺德县志》), before the Jading period of the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋嘉定年间), early settlers with surnames like Pan (潘), Zhong (钟), Mo (莫), Xue (薛), Qu (区), Pang (逄), and Jian (简) had migrated to the area, gradually forming a village. Initially named Pangjian (逄简), the village name was later changed to Fengjian after the character “Pang” (逄) evolved into “Feng” (逢).

After the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋), with the continuous warfare in Central China (中原地区), many people from the North migrated south to escape the conflicts, bringing with them northern culture and agricultural knowledge, significantly influencing Fengjian.

During the Ming Dynasty (明代), as the Silk Road (丝绸之路) gained prominence, Fengjian became a thriving silk-producing region. By the late Qing Dynasty (清朝), the silk industry reached its peak. The Shunde County Chronicle (《顺德县志》) notes: “The silk industry of Shunde, especially in villages like Lelelou (勒楼), Beishui (北水), and Fengjian, was particularly prosperous, with both men and women specializing in this trade.” At its peak, the village’s population exceeded 10,000, with three silk reeling markets, over 300 weaving machines, and more than 1,500 industrial workers. Due to its economic prosperity, it was once called “Little Guangzhou” (小广州).

Architectural Layout

Fengjian Water Town (逢简水乡) consists of sixteen “villager groups” (村民小组): Jianlong (见龙), Cungen (村根), Tantou (潭头), Mingyuan (明远), Houjie (后街), Gaoshe (高社), Maishe (麦社), Wuqiao (午桥), Jiahou (嘉厚), Gaoxiang (高翔), Zhijie (直街), Biwu (碧梧), Xijie (西街), Dong’an (东岸), Cuozhou (搓洲), Xinlian (新联). These groups form a community of settlements that are relatively independent but closely interconnected, creating a “comb structure.” The riverside serves as the center for public activities, where ancestral halls, academies, and small temples are arranged. Each alley corresponds to a water dock and a secondary temple. The road system is generally composed of streets, blocks, and neighborhoods, forming a neat layout. The villagers’ houses are built one after another, with each clan’s dwellings following the same cultural norms, presenting a uniform and orderly human landscape.

Major Attractions

Mingyuan Bridge (明远桥)

Mingyuan Bridge is one of the oldest of the Three-Arch Bridges (三孔桥) in Foshan. It was constructed during the Song Dynasty by Li Shixiu, a scholar from the Qingyuan period (庆元年间). The bridge, which is 25.1 meters long, is also the longest remaining stone arch bridge in Shunde. The arches of the bridge are constructed using a longitudinal masonry method, and the railings are adorned with various decorative patterns. On both sides of the bridge, there are 14 stone pillars, each topped with a carved stone lion. The bridge does not have stone steps, allowing for smooth passage of vehicles and horses. Although it has undergone several renovations, the bridge still holds traces of the materials used from different periods, recording the bridge’s history through the wear and tear of time.

Juji Bridge (巨济桥)

Juji Bridge, another Three-Arch Bridge in Foshan, was also built under the supervision of Li Shixiu during the Song Dynasty. The railings of the bridge are intricately carved with decorative patterns. The bridge is made of granite and inscribed with the words, “No goods may be sold on the bridge, as it obstructs traffic, violators will be strictly penalized” and “Built by Qi’an Yisheng.” The most recent repair was carried out in the 18th year of the Republic of China (1929).

Jin’ao Bridge (金鳌桥)

Jin’ao Bridge, also known as Yuhua Bridge (玉蝀桥), is a single-arch stone bridge built during the 36th year of the Kangxi reign (1697) in the Qing Dynasty. It was repaired in the 10th year of the Republic of China (1921). Legend has it that the bridge was a gift from Emperor Kangxi to Liu Yunhan, the tutor of the prince, who was returning to his hometown. Liu particularly admired the Golden Tortoise Bridge in the Imperial Garden, and so the emperor permitted him to build a similar bridge at his hometown.

Enrong Tower (恩荣楼)

Enrong Tower, also known as the Liang Family Scholar Archway (梁氏进士牌坊), is located beside Juji Bridge. The wooden structure of the tower is adorned with exquisite wood carvings, gray carvings, and auspicious beast decorations. The top of the tower features three plaques with the words “Enrong” (恩荣), “Qindian” (钦点), and “Jinshi” (进士). According to the Song Zhao Tao Liang Gong Zupu (宋招讨梁公族谱), the archway was built in the 11th year of the Jiajing reign (1532) to commemorate Liang Qiaosheng, who became a Jinshi (advanced scholar) in the 16th year of the Zhengde reign (1521). The emperor granted him permission to return home and build the archway in recognition of his contributions. However, during the Cultural Revolution, the archway was destroyed, and it was rebuilt in 2015 to restore the historical appearance of the tower and memorialize the 13 Jinshi scholars from the village.

Liu Family Ancestral Hall (刘氏大宗祠)

The Liu Family Ancestral Hall was first constructed in the 13th year of the Yongle reign (1415) by Liu Guancheng, the fifth-generation ancestor of the Liu family. This is the largest and most intact Ming Dynasty ancestral hall in the Pearl River Delta and one of the five major ancestral halls in Shunde. It is located beside the river and follows a three-entrance courtyard structure with a hard mountain roof, dragon-boat ridges, and human-character firewalls. The hall was built using blue bricks and red sandstone at the base. It has been transformed into the Shunde Xingtan Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, showcasing a variety of local heritage projects, such as Yongchun Boxing, Dragon Dance, Dragon Boat Singing, and Dragon Boat Racing.

Song Canzheng Li Gong Memorial Hall (宋参政李公祠)

Located on Tangtou Street (塘头街), the Song Canzheng Li Gong Memorial Hall was built by later generations in memory of Li Shixiu. The hall was initially constructed during the Tianqi period (1621-1627) and renovated during the 24th year of the Kangxi reign (1685). It has a south-facing structure with three rooms and three courtyards, using high-quality ironwood for construction. The walls are decorated with gold lettering, and the roof is designed with a dragon-boat ridge. The memorial hall also features a granite-paved pathway and guardrails on either side, with stone lions placed in front of the pillars. This hall serves as the village’s historical museum, offering visitors an in-depth look at the local history, culture, and customs of Fengjian Village.

Historical and Cultural Background

Historical Figures

Fengjian Water Town (逢简水乡) has produced 13 scholars who passed the imperial examinations as Jinshi, over 60 who became Juren, and it was once known for the prestigious “Eight Scholars from the Feng Family” and “Three Brothers of the Liang Family, all of whom were Hanlin Academicians” (冯氏一门八秀才，梁氏三兄弟皆翰林).

Local Delicacies (特色美食)

Fengjian Water Town (逢简水乡) is home to a variety of traditional Shunde (顺德) delicacies, including Jun’an Steamed Pork (均安蒸猪), Double-skin Milk (双皮奶), and Special Fish Noodles (特色鱼面).

Awards and Recognition 

In 2013, Fengjian Village (逢简村) received the highest honor, the “Model Award,” in the “Discovery • 2013 China’s Most Beautiful Villages and Towns” competition, becoming the only village in South China to win this award. Additionally, Fengjian Water Town (逢简水乡) has earned several other accolades, including “Guangdong Province’s Famous Tourism Village” (广东省旅游名村), “Model Village of Chinese Rural Tourism” (中国乡村旅游模范村), “Top Ten Most Beautiful Rivers and Lakes in Foshan” (佛山市十大最美河湖), “Beautiful and Livable Village” (美丽宜居村庄), and “Top Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Villages in Foshan” (佛山市十大醉美古村).

Tourist Information

Geographic Location 

Fengjian Water Town (逢简水乡) is located at the northern end of Xingtan Town (杏坛镇), Shunde District (顺德区), Foshan City (佛山市), Guangdong Province (广东省).

Transportation 

To reach Fengjian Water Town (逢简水乡), take the “Chancheng-Jun’an” city bus (禅城-均安) to Le Liu Police Station (勒流派出所), then transfer at Xinyang Village (新埠村) to the K990/K990 Express bus (k990/k990快线公交车) and get off at the Fengjian Village Committee (逢简村委会) intersection station.