The last three-inch golden lotus, and the smell of abalone spitting out of the dog's mouth

The meaning of travel sometimes lies not only in the breathtaking scenery, but also in the traces left by history and the unique local flavor.

For example, the three-inch golden lotus, and the smell of abalone spitting out of the dog's mouth.

Three-inch Golden Lotus

Three-inch Golden Lotus should not be so unfamiliar. In the process of Chinese history, it has accompanied the development of Chinese history for more than a thousand years. It can be said that this is the secret and darkest corner of Chinese culture.

The three-inch golden lotus belongs to the aesthetic custom of ancient people. It originated from the concept that "women are beautiful because of their small feet." When a woman reaches a certain age, her feet will be tightly wrapped with cloth straps, eventually forming a sharp curve. Thin, tapered shape like a rhombus. It is similar to the concept of "fatness is beauty" in the Tang Dynasty, but in the eyes of us today, the three-inch golden lotus is more like a deformed aesthetic concept. We today are more inclined to think that it is a bad habit of binding feet. It is a persecution of women's freedom.

As for when the bad custom of foot-binding began, there is actually no evidence available. According to popular rumors, it began in the Sui Dynasty, flourished in the Song Dynasty, and died in the early years of the Republic of China.

For more than a thousand years, the three-inch golden lotus has been deeply rooted in the genes of men, women and children. It not only formulated seven standards for the beauty of small feet: thin, small, pointed, curved, fragrant, soft, and straight, but also summarized the "seven beauties" of small feet: shape, quality, talent, spirit, fatness, softness, and beauty. Those who are obsessed with small feet even classify the beauty and ugliness according to the size of the bound feet: those within three inches are called golden lotus, those within four inches are called anemone, and those that are larger than four inches are called iron lotus.

When I was looking for information, I saw a cartoon that should be able to explain the ancients' obsession with the three-inch golden lotus.

The entire society's morbid aesthetics is based on the mutilation of women's bodies. As the saying goes: "A pair of small feet brings a vat of tears", which is a true portrayal of the pain of ancient women having their feet bound. When girls are four or five years old, their feet must be wrapped with cloth to prevent the soles of their feet from growing. As age increases, the cloth that binds the feet becomes tighter and tighter. Over a long period of time, the soles of the feet become triangular, and the women with bound feet also lose the ability to walk.

With such a sick custom, in more than a thousand years, no ruler has dared to end the cruelty to women?

In fact, after the Manchus took over the Central Plains, they strongly opposed this custom at first, and repeatedly issued orders prohibiting women from binding their feet. It's just that the trend has prevailed and cannot be stopped by laws and regulations. Later, instead of weakening the foot-binding trend, this habit expanded. Later, it developed to the point where the shape and size of feet became important criteria for judging the beauty and ugliness of women. As a woman, whether or not her feet were bound and how well she bound her feet would directly affect her personal life events; at that time, all aspects of society were When people of this class marry, they are ashamed of a woman's big feet and proud of her small feet.

Fortunately, after the Revolution of 1911, the wave of new culture and new ideas swept across the country. The minds of the Chinese people gradually opened up, and the bad habit of foot binding gradually disappeared.

Although the traces of history have left us, we can still step on the last scars and witness with our own eyes a string of out-of-time footprints beside China's glorious history and rich civilization - the three-inch golden lotus. . The last three-inch golden lotus is in Jiao Village, Lianjiangbei, Fuzhou. Maybe, if you don’t catch up with the time, you may not be able to witness it when you go.

1. Lianjiang Beijiao Village

1. Highlights of the route

(1) Beijiao Village Old Street

History is fading away The distant stone road and the scattered stone houses tell stories from generation to generation. The residential houses in Beijiao Village are built on a limited land and are densely packed along the hillside, facing the sea. The streets in the village are narrow and winding, which is very spectacular.

(2) The last three-inch golden lotus

This is the last village in Fujian and even China where women with small feet gather. It is said that there are a few old ladies with "three-inch golden lotus" here. The old ladies are basically They are all between 80 and 90 years old, and there are only a dozen or so people building it now.

(3) Beijiabi

Tianya Haijiao in Fujian is located at the strategic location of the waterway and has a dangerous terrain. It has always been an important place for garrisoning troops (with troops stationed there). Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it is somewhat similar to Zhenhaijiao in Zhangzhou, and you can enjoy incomparable sea views. In ancient times, Beijiao Beach was dangerous and the water was fast. When fishing boats were about to cross Beijiabi, the fishermen would be worried and scared. They called it "crossing Jiao". After passing Jiao, it meant they were safe.

(4) Thousand-year love between snake and baby (also said to be a kiss between snake and rat)

The unique sea erosion landform in Beijiao Village forms a strange stone landscape: a love that travels through thousands of years, regardless of race .

(5) Mazu Cultural Park

Mazu is the patron saint of fishermen. Mazu Square is also the commanding height of Beijiao Village. It is the best location to overlook the magnificent sea view.

(6) All kinds of fresh seafood

One of the most delicious seafood sources in Fuzhou.

2. Best season

All year round

3. Recommended route

Old Street-Beijiaobi (Millennium Snake Baby) Love)-Mazu Cultural Park-Jiaonan Village (surrounding activities)-Xiatang Village (surrounding activities)

4. Food recommendations

Fish balls, seafood pot edges, Taotao cakes, rice Dumplings, grass jelly, fried fish noodles, fish dumplings, and all kinds of seafood.

5. Transportation

Self-driving: Navigation destination - Beijiao Village

Fuzhou Lianjiangxia Expressway - Taiyan Town (Huangqi Peninsula) - Beijiao Direction

Bus:

Fuzhou Warwick Bus Terminal, West Railway Station, North Bus Station, South Bus Station-Lianjiang-Transfer to Taiying Town Bus-Get off and walk 500 meters Meters to Hougang - Hougang, take the bus - Beijiao Village (you can also take a motorcycle directly from Taibo Town to Beijiaolu Island Pier)

6. Accommodation

Taijiao In town, accommodation is also provided upstairs at the health center in Beijiao Village

The smell of abalone spitting out of the dog's mouth

When it comes to seafood treasures, sea cucumbers and abalone are the most recommended, even if If you have tasted the beauty, you must have heard about these two buddies' pairings, and you know how valuable they are.

Today we are mainly talking about abalone. Abalone is a precious marine edible shellfish. It is known as "the gold on the table and the crown of sea treasures". Its meat is tender and nutritious. It is said that abalone is more delicate and difficult to breed. If you are not careful, it will be "annihilated". As the saying goes, a mouthful of abalone is worth a mouthful of gold.

By the way, last year, a picture of "poor families in Shanghai in 1945 could only survive by eating hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake" was widely circulated in the circle of friends. At that time, everyone was envious. Although it was later confirmed that the rumor was false. But on the island, it is true that the poor eat sea cucumber and abalone.

CCTV10 once produced a food program "Taste·Tao", "Looking for the taste of the New Year in memories". In one episode, "Island Poor Rice" was filmed on Beihuangcheng Island in Changdao County, Shandong Province. Abalone and sea cucumber were indeed dishes eaten by poor families in the past, and only the rich there had pork to eat (in the past, transportation on the island was inconvenient, and imported pork had to cost a lot).

Speaking of this, I feel really emotional. I remember when I was a child, we rural people were poor and often couldn’t afford meat, but we could occasionally eat wild boar, hare, pheasant, and even pangolin (forgive us at that time) Ignorance, eating a national first-class protected animal). But nowadays, even if you have money, you may not be able to eat these. What I ate today either had this thing added to it or was soaked in that thing. As a society, our taste buds seem to be drifting away from the original taste of what we eat.

From this point of view, if we want to be healthier, it seems that we have to live a "poor" life. For example, go deep into the island to find the taste of abalone. Such places are not limited to Beihuangcheng Island in Changdao County, Shandong Province mentioned above, but also Dongluo Island in Lianjiang, Fuzhou, where the dog's mouth is full of abalone flavor and has a touch of beach style.

2. Lianjiang Dongluo Island

1. Highlights of the route

(1) Abalone style

Dongluo Island is one of the four most precious seas It is the most delicious abalone breeding ground. There are so many abalones here that the air is full of abalone smell. The dogs on the island "have abalone taste in their mouths"; the fish steaks of abalone culture, against the backdrop of the sea and sky, are A unique scene.

(2) Sunrise over the Sea of ??Stars

The fiery red sun jumps on the horizon where the water and sky are the same color, casting thousands of rays of light; watch the sun escape from the confinement of the sea, and the free morning glow fills the sea. .

(3) Stone houses and stone roads that bear witness to history

Hundreds of years of stone houses and stone roads that reveal the vicissitudes of life are a beautiful cultural landscape on Dongluo Island. The history of changes over time is not to be missed.

(4) Pebble beach, waves hitting the reef

There is a pebble beach in the back mountain. The beach is connected to a hill. You will always get endless fun when you go to the beach; the reef is One of the highlights of Dongluo Island is that every time you walk on the island, you can see the waves hitting the rocks, which is very beautiful.

2. The best season

① Around the Dragon Boat Festival: There are wonderful dragon boating activities on the sea and the richest variety of seafood.

②Summer (July and August): The weather on the island is cool, suitable for summer vacation. The sunrise and sunset are beautiful. The seafood is high quality and fatty.

3. Food recommendations

Abalone soup, clams with scallion oil, dried eels, sweet potato balls and fish soup

4. Transportation

Self-driving: Drive to Hougang Ferry, Taiyan Town, Lianjiang County, and take a speedboat to Dongluo Island.

Free travel:

Boat departure time: 7:00 Dongluo - Tongluo; 13:00 Tongluo - Dongluo

Sailing time: 20 minutes , you can also charter a fishing boat, which can take you to the island's pier, and it's a 30-minute walk from the beach.

5. Accommodation

It is recommended to bring your own tent for camping. Those who want to stay can go to the village committee

Now that we have arrived in Lianjiang, Fuzhou, we encountered the last three-inch golden lotus on the road. , looking for a healthy life for the "poor", you should not miss Qida Village, a thousand-year-old fishing village on the sea pasture.

3. Qida Village

1. Highlights of the route

(1) Sea Ranch

Qida Ancient Fishing Village with a history of thousands of years, Shawao Bay is filled with fishing rafts for abalone farming, which can be called a sea pasture. The fishing rafts are dense but orderly, like pearls scattered on the blue sea, forming a beautiful and spectacular scenery in Qida Village. Qida Village also looks like a small village brought by fishing rafts.

(2) Mountain and Sea Views

The sea in Qida Village is very pure. You can see your own feet and the fish swimming under your feet from the water up to your neck. The child is even more clearly visible. It is no less colorful than the beach in Kasumigaura, which is colorful under the sunlight. The colorful pebbles on the beach are the embellishment of the thousand-year-old village and the sea. The Guanhai Pavilion on the halfway slope of Baiyun Mountain behind the village (there is a temple on the mountain) is the best viewing place in Qida Village.

(3) Original islands

Qida Village is gradually being modernized. If you want to experience the most beautiful and original sea view, then Xiluo Island, Dongluo Island and Ziluo Island These small islands are not to be missed. Zhiluo Island is located in the middle of East and West Luo Island. There are patches of green grass, chickens and sheep are found on the wind-swept grassland. Although it is dilapidated, the local stone houses will give you a feeling of paradise.

Note: You need to rent a fishing boat to go to the island, the cost is 300-400 (for reference), and the tour lasts about 4 hours; every year from the seventh to the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, there is a folk activity of "Wandering the God of the Sea" in Qida Village

2. Best season

All year round

3. Food recommendations

The most delicious fish balls are in Lianjiang, the most delicious fish balls in Lianjiang Delicious fish balls are in Qida; seafood fried noodles; fresh seafood

4. Transportation

Self-driving: Shenhai Expressway - Exit at the intersection of Lianjiang Expressway - towards Huangqi - —Qida Village

Free travel: Fuzhou South Bus Station, Fuzhou North Bus Station, Warwick Passenger Transport Station—Lianjiang County Minyun Bus Station (first and last train: 7:30-17:00 Qida First and last train: 7:00-16:30, approximately every 1-1.5 hours) - get off at Qida Station - walk into the village or go to Baiyun Mountain Guanhai Pavilion

Note: Lianjiang EMU You can take bus No. 7 from the station to Lianjiang County Minyun Bus Station

5. Accommodation

There are several hotels in Qida Village, and the standard room is about ￥100 (for reference)< /p>

?I remember the first time I saw the dreamy beach under the light and shadow of Xiapu. I was shocked and fascinated. I had always wanted to visit it and I must go there. So one year during the Qingming Festival, I rushed there. We went with high expectations, but the weather was cloudy and rainy, and we didn't wait for the best light, so we returned disappointed. Later, I always missed the beautiful tidal flats. On the National Day of a certain year, I encountered an intoxicating tidal flat in Ma Cao Port, the southernmost inland of the motherland. At that time, I thought that the tidal flats in Ma Cao Port were so disappointing, let alone Xiapu?

Many times, what limits our imagination is not necessarily poverty, but also experience. Only later did I realize that in addition to the mesmerizing tidal flats, there is also a place with unparalleled "catch the sea" wonders. She is Xiaoao from Lianjiang.

4. Xiaoao

1. Highlights of the route

(1) The colorful world of tidal flats

Those who were amazed by the Xiapu tidal flats You are annoyed by the overcrowding in Kasumigaura now. And the Xiaoao tidal flat, which is still hidden deep inside, will give you a glimpse of the beautiful world of the tidal flat. The estuaries of Minjiang River and Aojiang River have formed vast stretches of high-quality sandy tidal flats. The light of sunrise and sunset hits the tidal flats, and the colorful colors are so intoxicating. The largest razor clam and seaweed breeding area in Lianjiang on the tidal flat also adds more color to the colorful photography.

(2) Spectacular "catch the sea" landscape

Catch the sea is an ancient and traditional way of production and labor of fishermen in Xiaoao area, which has a history of nearly a thousand years. Every day when the tide recedes and a large tidal flat is exposed, countless marine life cannot move away with the water and remain on the tidal flat. "Catching the sea" means walking to the tidal flats where the tide has receded as quickly as possible to harvest seafood. The scene of busy fishing on the tidal flat will appear from this, and the scene of fishermen returning home after harvest is the finishing touch of "catch the sea". Main seafood: mud snails, green moths, crabs and other seafood.

2. Best season

In May, the best time to catch the sea is based on the tide time of the day.

3. Route recommendation

Ganhai No. 1 (attraction), Xiaoao Baisheng Village

4. Transportation

Free travel: Fuzhou (EMU) - Lianjiang (Bus No. 7) - Lianjiang Minyun Station (you can also get there if there is a bus from Fuzhou South Bus Station or North Station) - Xiaoao - Ganhai No. 1 (Yumun Village)

Self-driving: Just navigate to the destination

5. Accommodation

Local B&B, or Xiaoao Town/Lianjiang County

Tips for catching the sea:

1. The sun is strong at the beach, so be careful to protect yourself from the sun and heatstroke

2. The scenic area provides lockers to store your changing items for free (children need at least 2 sets of changing clothes)

3 . Before going to the sea, prepare the equipment for going to the sea: small buckets, gloves, socks (visitors can bring their own or buy them on site for 5 yuan each)

4. Tourists who have finished going to the sea can go to the washing area to rinse or go to the Change of clothes in shower room