Have you ever heard of a town that blends ancient history with modern innovation? That town is Bacheng. Bacheng sits on the eastern bank of the famed Yangcheng Lake, a place renowned for its delectable hairy crabs. Bacheng is more than just crabs. It’s a town steeped in over 2,500 years of history, a history intricately woven with the waterways that surround it.
Bacheng’s story begins during the Warring States period. King He Lü of Wu, recognizing the strategic importance of the Yangcheng Lake area, ordered the construction of twelve fortified cities. These cities, including Ba City, Wu City, and Zhi City, were built to protect the capital of Suzhou. Today, Bacheng encompasses the area of these ancient cities, with remnants of their past still whispering beneath the waters of Yangcheng Lake. One such remnant is the Wucheng Ruins, believed to have been designed by the renowned military strategist Sun Wu. This unique fortress, with its eight-trigram layout and crisscrossing waterways, offers a glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient military defense.
Bacheng’s connection to water extends beyond its strategic importance. It’s the birthplace of Kunqu Opera, a delicate and expressive art form recognized as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage item. This operatic tradition can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. The musician Huang Fanchuo, after the An-Shi Rebellion, settled by Kuilei Lake near Bacheng. He brought with him the refined music and performance style of the Tang court. His “Zheng Sheng” or “orthodox tune” laid the foundation for what would eventually evolve into Kunqu Opera. This legacy lives on in Bacheng, where young talents continue to train in this ancient art form.
Bacheng isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s a thriving town embracing the future. In 2021, it ranked among the Top 100 Competitively Competitive Towns of China. This success is fueled by its diverse economy, ranging from high-tech industries to the renowned Yangcheng Lake hairy crab industry. Over 30,000 farmers in Bacheng contribute to the crab industry. This generates an annual output value exceeding 3 billion yuan. The annual crab culture festival draws millions of visitors, showcasing Bacheng’s vibrant blend of tradition and commerce. As you explore Bacheng, be sure to wander down the ancient streets, lined with buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic period. Visit the Yufeng Exhibition Hall of Antiques and Cultural Relics, the Kunshan Rocks Museum, and the Bacheng Museum of Crab Culture to further delve into the town’s rich heritage. Bacheng is a place where history and modernity intertwine. It’s a place where ancient waterways whisper stories of strategic battles, and where the delicate notes of Kunqu Opera resonate through the centuries.