Reconstruction and utilisation of ancient post roads in southern Guangdong and rural revitalisation

1. The historical value of ancient post roads in southern Guangdong

The ancient post roads in southern Guangdong boast a unique geographic location. They run between Guangxi, Hunan, Jiangxi and Guangdong, and serve as a connection point between regions. Throughout history, the ancient post roads have been used for military, transportation, trade, exchange and migration purposes. They have evolved over the centuries, creating a rich and unique linear cultural landscape marked by diversity, inclusiveness and adaptability. A variety of villages have emerged from the rich heritage of Guangfu, Chaoshan, Hakka, Leizhou, overseas Chinese culture and that of ethnic minorities, marked by different geographical locations, climates, topographies and local customs. Each of the more than 500 villages along the ancient routes we visited proved to be a colourful, harmonious and beautiful place to visit. However, due to reductions in traffic, they are gradually decaying and 80% of them are now blighted by poverty.

The ancient post roads in southern Guangdong were once the main pathways used by the Han Chinese when they travelled from the central plains to Guangdong and for trade and commerce purposes in Lingnan. They played an important role in developing Guangdong’s multi-ethnic folk culture. The culture of migration is very prevalent, the ancient post roads mark the history of the Guangdong people, and the old villages represent the roots of the Lingnan people. This living heritage has great value in terms of the long history, beautiful ruins, variety and great influence it has produced.

2. Giving the ancient post roads in southern Guangdong contemporary value

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion and human beings need cultural memory. To give the ancient post roads in southern Guangdong contemporary value, we first need to gain a solid understanding of their linear nature and the relationship between ancient villages, then utilise their historical value, the emotion they invoke and the beauty of the landscape and ultimately turn the rich heritage on offer into an important asset for sustainable urban and rural development. Secondly, the integration of different resources should be strengthened in order to foster the revitalisation of industries and new talent, and to help reach environmental goals. This can be achieved by following four steps: learning from the experience of other countries in Europe and of the US in the protection and use of linear cultural heritage; gathering information on ancient post roads; making good use of the policy of greenways, ancient roads and waterways to strengthen the connection between humans and nature; involving the community by means of collaboration so that the general public can enjoy cultural heritage and benefit from its conservation.

3. Enhancing the value of ancient post roads in southern Guangdong and rural revitalisation practices

The following three aspects enhance the value of the ancient post roads in southern Guangdong and rural revitalisation practices :

I. Development centred around the ancient post roads

The ancient post roads link urban and rural areas, towns and villages, integrating cultural and natural resources to create themed routes with varied characteristics. Take the rural revitalisation of Meiguan Ancient Road in Nanxiong and the protection of its main routes as an example. This project aimed at making the Nanqian surname a cultural landmark, fusing trade and post culture, highlighting the multicultural nature of the road, creating a space for recreational tourism, strengthening the interconnection of urban and rural areas, improving the living environment and promoting rural revitalisation.
First of all, we should investigate the post roads, landscape and villages on the key routes, study the cultural significance of the post roads, integrate adjacent cultural resources, and develop the sports and leisure activities on offer in order to boost the economy of the villages along the route.
Secondly, we will seek to develop models of some sections of the road based on the ancient roads in Meiguan, Wujing, Baishun, Zhutian, Shuikou and Nanmu.
A distinction will be made between villages where post stations are located and other villages so that renovations can be customised accordingly. Following that, the urban and rural development axis will be established along thematic cultural routes, including the historic Meiguan Ancient Road, beautiful countryside routes, riverside routes, and the cultural route in the ancient city of Xiongzhou.
Finally, emphasis will be placed on the construction of key post stations in locations with advantageous surroundings. These stations will play a leading role in the development of ancient post roads.

II. Reconnecting to the past, promoting the integration of culture and tourism, and revitalising the countryside

People are invited to reflect on the past when they retrace the footsteps of those who lived long before them. The initiative touches on the region’s historical and cultural roots and tells the story of ancient post roads. On the oldest ancient post road in Lingnan, the ancient road of the Qin and the Han dynasties in Lianzhou, sculptures of sages such as Ren Renxiao, Zhao Tuo, Lu Bode and Zheng Hong, as well as literary figures such as Liu Yuxi, Han Yu, Zhou Dunyi and Liu Zhan can be found. The Taomu bridge hailing from the Ming Dynasty and the nearby tea pavilion were repaired  so that they could once again link the two sides of the river, perpetuating the beautiful legend associated with the bridge and inspiring people who come to visit it.

III. Promoting research and rural revitalisation to honour history

In Shitang village, for example, orienteering has become a popular activity, tourism and research activities have become normal, many traditional products are now produced and sold and young people have started to return home to start their own businesses. All of these factors have helped to revitalise the rural area.

The conservation of ancient post roads in southern Guangdong has the potential to increase interest in rural areas. They can help us to understand the past, grasp the present and give us a clearer expectation of the future. This is because these roads represent cultural diversity and the blending of folk, food and ethnic cultures. Ancient post roads tell us beautiful stories about time and space. What’s more, they help us to find our roots, remember the past, meet new friends and generate wealth in a unique way.