Discovering the Eternal Flame of Culture in China's Hidden Village 🌟
Imagine walking through an ancient village, where history whispers from every corner. In the heart of Sanming City, southeast China's Fujian Province, lies a 700-year-old village that holds the secrets of China's enduring culture.
Our guide on this journey is Giray Fidan, a passionate sinologist from Türkiye. He's on a mission to uncover the tales behind two legendary trees known as the \"Shenlang camphor.\" 🌳🌳
These aren't just any trees—they're said to have been planted by Zhu Xi, a renowned thinker and philosopher from the southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Over 800 years later, these camphor trees stand tall, but with a curious twist: one thrives with lush leaves, while the other has withered away.
It's hard not to see the symbolism here. The thriving tree represents China's rich traditional culture, revitalized and bursting with new energy in the modern era. The withered tree reminds us of the challenges and trials that have tested this culture over millennia.
Walking under the canopy of the thriving camphor tree, Giray reflects on how China's heritage continues to inspire and influence the world. The village, with its ancient architecture and timeless traditions, feels like a portal to another time.
As young adventurers and culture enthusiasts, there's so much we can learn from places like this. It's about understanding where we come from to better navigate where we're headed. 🚀
If you're ever craving a journey that blends history, philosophy, and a dash of mystery, put this hidden gem in Fujian Province on your bucket list. Who knows what inspiration awaits beneath the leaves of the Shenlang camphor? 🍃
Reference(s):
Classics of Chinese Thought Ep. 3: Passing on eternal flame of culture
cgtn.com
