A historical and cultural county — She County — is located at the foot of the renowned Huangshan Mountain (or Yellow Mountain), in Huangshan, a city in East China's Anhui Province. Surrounded by green mountains and crystal water, the county is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. 

She County is one of the four best-preserved ancient towns in China. The others are Langzhong, in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Lijiang, in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, and Pingyao, in North China's Shanxi Province.

In days gone by, She County was called Huizhou, where Huizhou culture, one of the three major regional cultures in China, originated. The other two regional cultures are Dunhuang culture and Tibetan culture. Huizhou Ancient Town is situated in the central part of the county.

With exceptional ancient building complexes and historic relics surrounded by beautiful natural views, She County is a living museum of the rich and profound Huizhou culture, which includes all cultural aspects developed in the area throughout its history.

Hui-style architecture is an integral part of Huizhou culture. Memorial archways in Tangyue Village are outstanding, and they are representative of Huistyle architecture. The seven memorial archways in the village embody the spirit of loyalty, filial piety, integrity and righteousness. In addition, there is a historical story behind each archway. The archways in 1996 were listed in the fourth grouping of national key cultural relic-protection units by China's State Council.

Hui merchants' group used to be one of the major merchants' groups in China. The merchants' heyday was during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and early Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). The merchants were smart, diligent and united. They were willing to help others from their hometown, and they would construct schools and encourage their offspring to participate in the imperial examination to get involved in politics. 

The flourishing Hui business culture gave rise to the development of Xin'an (old name of Huizhou) NeoConfucianism, Xin'an literature, painting and medical science.

Doushan Street is a good place for visitors to see Hui-style architecture and experience Hui business culture. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, many Hui merchants lived there. Strolling along the quiet street, visitors will see traditional dwellings, carvings, wells and archways, and they will experience the traditional local lifestyle.

The county was the hometown of many brilliant people who excelled in their respective fields, such as Bi Sheng (972-1051), inventor of movable-type writing; Zhu Xi (1130-1200), a famous thinker during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279); Hu Xueyan (1823-1885), an influential merchant; Huang Binhong (1865-1955), a master of traditional Chinese painting; Wu Chengshi (1884-1939), a renowned economist; and, Tao Xingzhi (1891-1964), a great educator.

The county is known for Hui-style cuisine and various kinds of tea, such as Huangshan Maofeng Tea, Dinggu Dafang Tea and Huangshan Green Peony Tea. The county is also famous for She inkstone. Inkstone is one of China's traditional Four Treasures of the Study, together with the ink brush, inkstick and Xuan paper. Inkstone is used to make liquid ink for calligraphy and painting, by grinding the inkstick while mixing it with water.

As one of China's four famous inkstones, She inkstone was first used during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). She inkstone is made from raw materials with a fine texture, and is often decorated with exquisite carvings. The traditional technique for making She inkstone has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. 

Photos supplied by Shen Haibin

(Women of China English Monthly November 2021 issue)