“Fortune favors the prepared mind.” Here at \u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240, those words resonate deeply. This area of Futian District in Shenzhen has a fascinating story. It involves water, land, and the enduring spirit of its people.
\u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240 was once a simple village near Hong Kong. Today, many people pass by on their way to the Huanggang border crossing. They do not realize that a vibrant part of Shenzhen lies just a few hundred meters away.
The heart of \u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240 is closely tied to the Zhuang family. Local legends say Zhuang Luogong, a descendant of Zhuangzi, founded \u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240. Anthropologist Mary Ann O’Donnell calls a statue of Zhuangzi “the heart of \u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240.” The statue stands flanked by water.
Historically, water flowed through many areas of \u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240. Residents made their living through farming and fishing. They also spoke the Weitou dialect. This dialect is used among original inhabitants of Luohu, Futian, and Hong Kong’s New Territories.
In the 1980s, \u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240 residents engaged in parallel trading. They took goods from Hong Kong and resold them in Shenzhen. Later, factories became common. Industry became the heart of the local economy.
The Shenzhen government initiated a redevelopment scheme. They spent 1.2 million yuan to acquire land on the Shum Chun River. The area authorities promoted the Shuiwei model of redevelopment. This model aimed to attract white-collar workers. It involved converting existing housing into apartments.
Today, \u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240 has undergone major facelifts. The once landlocked community has become a habitable neighborhood. It even has a touch of Hong Kong flavor.
The cultural meaning of water persists. However, it exists more in an ornamental sense. You can see this in waterfalls, pavilions, and small bridges over flowing streams. Even a rock museum exemplifies the transition from “water” to “land.” It displays precious rocks and stones collected from around the world.
\u6c34\u570d\u6751\u516c\u6240 stands as a testament to change and resilience. It reminds us that stories shape our identities. This is a place where the past and present intertwine. It is a place where water and land continue to shape the community’s identity.