Kecun Street

Kecun Street is located in Kecun, Jiuhua Township, at the northern foot of Mount Jiuhua Scenic Area, Chizhou City, Anhui Province, on the west bank of the Jiuhua River. It serves as the "first gateway" to Mount Jiuhua. Nestled between mountains and water, with the Jiuhua peaks at its back and open farmland facing it, the old street is adjacent to Jiuhua New Street and the Dayuan Cultural Park Scenic Area, and is about 500 meters from the Mount Jiuhua Tourist Service Center, enjoying a superior geographical location. In ancient times, Kecun Old Street was an essential stop for pilgrims on their way to worship Mount Jiuhua. During the Tang and Song dynasties, a settlement gradually formed here due to the influx of pilgrims, giving the street a history of over a thousand years. Most of the existing buildings in the old street were constructed in the 1990s. After recent environmental improvement and renovation, it has become a distinctive block featuring Huizhou-style charm and a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Kecun Street is about 800 meters long. Within the block, the architectural style of Huizhou is preserved, with white walls, black tiles, and staggered horse-head walls. The winding bluestone slabs extend along the street, with moss growing in the crevices, telling the story of the countless pilgrims who have passed through. The old street has profound historical and cultural heritage. Standing in the village is the Ke Qiao Memorial Archway, built in memory of Ke Qiao, a renowned official of the Ming Dynasty. Ke Qiao earned the Jinshi degree in the 8th year of the Jiajing era (1529) of the Ming Dynasty and held offices including Vice Commissioner of the Fujian Provincial Surveillance Office and Deputy Commissioner of the Maritime Defense Circuit. He made significant contributions in literature, philosophy, education, and military affairs, having fought against Japanese pirates and defeated Portuguese colonists, achieving outstanding merits. At the village entrance, the "Sweet Dew Well" is said to have been dug by Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, and its water is clear and sweet. The "Huacheng Bridge", a single-arch stone bridge from the Ming Dynasty, still spans the mountain stream and remains a resting place for villagers today. On both sides of the old street, numerous incense shops sell handmade Buddhist incense and scriptures, with sandalwood lingering in the air. Handicraft workshops hidden in the alleys, such as those making bamboo-woven lanterns and Jiuhua cloth shoes, have artisans demonstrating traditional skills on site.

Kecun Street enjoys a superior location, a long history, and profound cultural heritage. The street is open to visitors free of charge all year round. Here, tourists can taste local snacks such as Guanyin tofu and Jiuhua vegetarian biscuits, and purchase Jiuhua specialties like Polygonatum (huangjing) and Buddhist incense. On the 30th day of the seventh lunar month, the birthday of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, the old street holds the "Thousand Lotus Lantern Festival", where starry lantern shadows blend with the chanting of the Buddha’s name, creating a traditional festive atmosphere. In terms of transportation, visitors can take a tourist shuttle bus from Chizhou High-Speed Railway Station to the "Kecun Transfer Center" and then walk about five minutes to arrive.