China , Henan , junxian

JUNXIAN, HENAN, CHINA: A Cultural Treasure in a Thousand-Year-Old City

Located in the north of Henan Province, under the jurisdiction of Hebi City, Joon County is in the transition zone between the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains and the North China Plain, and is a famous national historical and cultural city as well as the hometown of Chinese folk culture and art. It is called Liyang in ancient times, and has been established since the Western Han Dynasty. After more than 2200 years of precipitation, it is rich in humanities and natural heritages. The multitudinous mountains and the floating hills are "two mountains confronting each other", which are 4A level scenic spots of the country. On the multitudinous mountains, there is the Northern Wei Cliff Buddha, which is more than 1500 years old, and it is one of the earliest large-scale cliff statues in China; on the floating hills, there are the Thousand Buddha Temple Grottoes and the Bixia Palace and other architectural complexes which show the wisdom of the ancient craftsmen. The ancient temple fair in the first month of every year, which lasts for thousands of years and attracts hundreds of thousands of people, is one of the largest folk activities in North China and is listed in the national intangible cultural heritage. In addition, Joon County's mud gu gu (traditional mud sculpture), with its strong colors and rustic shapes, is known as the "living fossil of Chinese mud sculpture" and continues the memory of ancient folk art. With its rich history, unique folklore and beautiful landscape, this ancient city has become an important carrier of the culture of the Central Plains.