recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Kundao

**Kundao** (坤稲; *kūndào*) is a city located in Jidong District, Ji Prefecture. As of 2020, the city has a population of around 113,000.

The area of Kundao was historically used for rice farming and was irrigated thoroughly with a complex canal system, which has now become a popular tourist attraction. Kundao riverboats, called '*kukuan*' (堀寬), are used to transport tourists around the city.

Kundao is the birthplace of Yangtian Kanyan, a poet of the 19th century and writer of *qiegua* verse. An annual three-day festival is held every November (the birth month of Kanyan) in memoriam, complete with poetry readings, fireworks, music and many evening canal-boat rides. In addition, Kanyan's childhood home is opened to the public for tours.

## History

Kundao was originally constructed as a rice-farming township in the mid-11th century by the Yao clan, who owned most of Ji Prefecture's eastern stretches and also controlled the area's trade. Flourishing as one of the steadiest and most abundant producers of rice in the prefecture, Kundao's iconic canal system was built in 1304, along with the well-known Kundao Castle.

Throughout most of its history, Kundao remained a humble, peaceful and picturesque town with a middling population and a thriving economy. After the establishment of Kanton's monarchy, Kundao flourished even more as it was given a local government and trade barriers were opened up somewhat.

At the dawn of Kanton's industrial era, Kundao's traditional agricultural economy was marginalised somewhat by a growing pressure to industrialise and expand. This led to the construction of Kundao's Inner District (內潘), an industrial area of factories which produced heavily processed goods such as steel parts, machinery, and other materials. Despite its detrimental impact on the city's scenic appearance, the Inner District boosted Kundao's economy significantly.

Nowadays, Kundao is considered a wealthy, prosperous and very safe place to live. In fact, the city's crime rate is the lowest in Ji Prefecture. It also has one of the fastest-rising populations for any small city in western Kanton.

## Geography

Kundao is located in the eastern reach of Ji Prefecture, and is the largest settlement of Jidong District. It experiences cool summers, with very cold and frosty winters. Annual rainfall is one of the highest in the prefecture.

## Economy

In modern times, Kundao's economy is mainly tertiary-based, though its Inner District still contributes considerably. The traditional rice-farming industry has been nurtured, but over time it has been overtaken by more large-scale producers.
Zeikun

**Zeikun** (贼昆; *zéikūn*) are places which restless spirits or ghosts are thought to haunt. Their existence is the result of an area being a place of extreme suffering, loss of life, or general unrest. Usually, sites such as battlefields, ancient moon-gardens and old prisons can become *zeikun* quite easily, as the restless spirits cannot leave the physical world after dying a death of abject misery or pain.

In legend, there are two main types of *zeikun*: 'pure' *zeikun* (純贼昆) and 'mixed' *zeikun* (翅贼昆). Pure *zeikun* sitesare thought to be dangerous, as the spirits there are vengeful and have a burning resentment towards humans. Mixed *zeikun* sites can be visited by the living, and sometimes the ghosts can be communicated with, through the use of a *zei-ce* or religous ritual. The description of 'mixed' comes from the idea that people and spirits can mingle without hostility or danger.

The number of ghosts inhabiting such a place may vary. Sometimes, *zeikun* can be haunted by one single spirit, especially if it belonged to a powerful person. However, in sites such as battle-grounds, there are often hundreds, if not thousands of spirits remaining who died in anguish and fear. For this reason, the visiting of many battlefields across Kanton is inhibited by the government, so as not to anger the spirits of the ancient soldiers who died there. These sites are usually considered to be 'pure'.

In moon-gardens, which are classed as 'domestic' *zeikun* (陀仂贼昆), people and spirits can mingle freely, even if the spirits there died in suffering. This is because most moon-gardens are blessed by priests on regular occasions, which placates the spirits and offers protection for human visitors.
Bianmi Castle

**Bianmi Castle** (变咪莽; *biànmī-mǎng*) refers to the ruins of a Mian Period fortress located in Bianmi, in Xingceng District, Xingsu Prefecture. Occasionally the castle will be referred to as "Bianmi Fortress" or "Fort Bianmi".

## History

During the late Nen period, Pang Kaoliang (son of a powerful Pang chief) conquered the area of what is now Bianmi and established a fortress on a large hill overlooking the plain. For many years the castle served as the home for him and his family, who presided over the nearby township and protected it from military advances. In the early 1200s, a separate base of operations was built, known as Bianmi Castle, which was to aid the quelling of civil unrest in the area.

The castle was rather small and did not extend much further than the plateau of the hill it had been built on. It was originally made entirely of stone and rudimentary cement, with a thatched and raftered roof. Multiple sources say that the castle was once connected by walkway to the nearby unnamed fortress, which was much smaller and contained weaponry and food stores.
Qiren temple-keepers

A ***shenhiucan*** (神和灿; *shén hécàn*) is a person responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a Qiren temple, as well as leading worship of their temple's accommodated *shen*. Originally, the *shenhiucan* were intermediaries between shen and could transcribe their messages for the understanding of other humans, akin to shaman scribes  or 切教. It was believed that a *shenhiucan* was a holy man capable of establishing a connection between the *shen* and humans, and whose understanding of spiritual messages gave him insight into the future. Later, the term evolved to denote a man who worked at a temple and organised religious ceremonies there.

In ancient times, the *shenhiucan* of a temple was often the *hunsen* or abbot, i.e. the most powerful and respected member of the temple staff. However, as time went on the position of *shenhiucan* became separate, a lower rank often taken on by an apprentice of the *hunsen* or his son. There can be multiple *shenhiucan* at one temple, particularly a large and popular establishment which receives many visitors. The role of *shenhiucan* is hereditary and can be passed down to offspring.

Unlike other temple staff, such as *fangmie* and *hunsen*, *shenhiucan* do not wear specialised robes. They dress in traditional *yangzhuang* and wear white-laquered sandals. *Shenhiucan* are assisted in their work by *fangmie**.* Their main role in the temple is to bless visitors, conduct low-level rituals or ceremonies, perform clerical duties and respond to booking requests for events such as funerals and weddings.
Fengdong District

**Fengdong District** (冯東單; *féngdōng-dān*) is a district under Feng Prefecture. As of 2018 the district has a population of roughly 273,500. Fengdong takes up the western side of the prefecture, and runs along the coast down to the Zhang border in the south.

Fengdong was once the most populous region of Feng, as most of the prefecture's inhabitants gravitated towards the coast to work and live. The largest industry by far is fishing, which has been the prefecture's largest industry for most of its existence. Unfortunately, the district's coastal location makes it extremely vulnerable to flooding. In recent years, many of its population have migrated south to Fengnan District in order to escape this threat.

## Municipalities

### Towns

* Chenshui
* Nianquan

### Villages

* Zhicheng
* Dongyong
Songs

There are **6** default songs, **21** mission unlock songs, **6** code unlock songs, **62 (1 removed)** songs needs to be unlocked by Music Chip and **93(3 removed)** songs needs to be unlocked by Diamond in the game.

## Song List

* Free Play & Mission songs
* Code unlocking songs
* Music Chip/Diamonds purchasable songs

Code unlocking songs

Purchasable songs
Fengnan District

**Fengnan District** (冯南單; *féngnán-dān*) is a district under Feng Prefecture. In 2018 the district had a population of roughly 532,000; most of this population is made up by the city of Hanxun which lies within the area. Fengnan is located near the southern border of the prefecture.

Over the years, Fengnan has grown to be the most prosperous and well-developed part of the prefecture due to the presence of Hanxun, the capital city. From the mid-20th century, Fengnan has increased in population steadily and has a more reliable economy than its neighbouring districts. Most of its residents work white-collar jobs in the tertiary and service sectors, though a minor agricultural industry is also present.

Fengnan District is also one of the safest areas in Feng Prefecture, as it is more protected from common issues such as flooding.

## Municipalities

### Towns

* Moyou
* Ruanbu
Fangyan Shrine

**Fangyan Shrine** (房眼算; *fángyǎn-suàn*) is a mountain shrine located on the eastern summit of Mount Fangyan in Xingsu Prefecture. It is only accessible by way of climbing up a rocky cliff-face on the ancient Blessed Staircase (梣楼; *cén lóu*).

## Features

The shrine was constructed in the early 1500s, presumably by the religious community of a small mountain village. The shrine is surprisingly well-made and has stood the test of time for centuries without modern interference. Like most mountain shrines, it is made from stone, but oddly does not carry any inscriptions or carvings. It is believed that the shrine is dedicated to Shanshen.

The shrine's adjoining Staircase is an roughly-hewn ascent proported to be blessed by the feet of ancient Qiren monks. In modern times, the staircase is extremely worn and has been repaired multiple times over the decades.
Xingshui

**Xingshui** (行水; *xíngshuǐ*) is a city located in Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018 it has an estimated population of 250,000.

Xingshui is known as the birthplace of the great writer Luanti You, who wrote a number of poems centering around his hometown.

Xingshui is connected to Kanchan and Jinjun by rail.

## History

### Early history

Xingshui began as a small trading town in the early 10th century. It is thought that the settlement was established by the Jin clan in order to control the supplies that crossed the border from Feng Prefecture into Xingsu. Xingshui was also known as a travellers' town, with evidence of there being a high number of *nu-tou* in the area.

In the 1200s, Xingshui underwent a long religious renaissance, which resulted in a number of shrines and temples being erected on the outskirts of the city. Jinmu Forest became a hotspot for these constructions, and is now a popular tourist destination.

### 20th century

In 1945, Xingshui gained city status with a population of 118,000. However, a city council was not established until late 1947, due to power conflicts between politicians of the area.

In 1951, Xingshui's population saw a slight increase due to an influx of Feng refugees escaping the Flood of Chengyan.

### 21st century

In 2007, Xingshui City Council opened three new high schools across the city in an effort to accommodate the growing population.

## Geography

Xingshui is located on the border of Xingsu Prefecture, facing towards Feng Prefecture. The city is fairly cold all year round, experiencing very heavy snowfall in midwinter. A notable feature is the Xingshui Waterfall, which often attracts visitors.

## Economy

Xingshui's population is mostly employed in the tertiary industry. It also serves as a place of work for residents of surrounding settlements such as Jinjun.
Jinmu Forest

**Jinmu Forest** (劲木举; *jìnmù-jǔ*) is a forest located in north-west Kanton; its total area straddles the prefectures of Xingsu and Feng. Jinmu is a deciduous forest, mostly populated with beech, hazel, oak and birch trees. The rivers Ximian and Siunin run through the woodland from their sources in the Tan Shanlai mountain range. Jinmu Forest is considered to be a sacred forest or *diju*, one of only seven which still exist in Kanton. It is commonly thought that there are hundreds (if not thousands) of spirits manifesting in the woodlands, and because of this, deforestation in Jinmu of any kind is strictly prohibited.

The forest is open to the public, and there are a number of shrines, temples and *shendiu* scattered throughout the area. The largest temple, known as Jinmu First Temple or *Jinmu Han Fang* (劲木韩方) is especially popular, and is believed to be the oldest of them all. The legendary and highly sacred Jin-Lia tree is said to be the home of a forest deity called *Xiang-Ju-Jing* (先举精).

Jinmu is entered by way of an ancient staircase known as the Jinmu Way (劲木路; *jìnmù-lù*) which is said to date back to the 4th century. Passing over this staircase used to require a mandatory purification ritual; for the benefit of tourists and sightseers this process is now optional.
Yangyan Castle

**Yangyan Castle** (阳岩莽; *yángyán-mǎng*, also known as *Yangyan Stronghold*) is an ancient castle situated in the town of Yangyan, Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. The castle was originally built as a fortress for the defence of the Jinli clan in the 12th century, but was abandoned after the area was conquered by Kanshu invaders in 1467.

## History

The castle was built in the 12th century by the Jinli clan, who were a lineage of the Jin clan. Facing threat from the Kanshu clan, the family built a fortress in which they could live and operate, but remain safe and able to defend themselves. Originally, the castle was much larger, however after its seige the majority of the building was destroyed.

The fortress remained untouched for around 30 years, until the invasion of the Kanshu clan in 1167. The Kanshu family were a growing power in the Xingsu region, and had already taken control of the closest city, modern-day Kanchan. They refused to send exports of food and clothing to Yangyan unless the Jinli surrendered and swore allegiance to them, an action which would essentially liquidate the clan. The Jinli family stood their ground, but could not prepare themselves for the seige which proceeded. After a week and three days, most of the castle had been burned and knocked down, and every member of the Jinli had been beheaded.

The remains of the castle served briefly as residence of Hutan Kanshu and his wife. However, their line failed and the castle fell back into abandonment after their deaths.

## Features

Yangyan Castle is recognisable as an early Mian castle - built in the 1100s, it shares many similarities to other fortresses of its time. Its main feature is the tall watchtower or *huàn-tǎ*, which serves as a vantage point and offers a view of the entire town. The castle also has a basement level, which was used as a storage area for food and materials.

What makes Yangyan Castle interesting is its lack of defence. For a fortress that was built to keep out attackers, it only possesses a relatively shallow moat, a guard-gate and front battlements. This evidently contributed to the success of the Kanshu seige.

Yangyan Castle also had its own blacksmith, a rather uncommon feature for any Mian keep.

Yangyan Castle's main entrance and guard-gate.The moat was filled up soon after the siege.The distinctive watchtower offers a view of the surrounding area.
Hongkai Gardens

The **Hongkai Gardens** (红凯签; *hóngkǎi qiān*) are public gardens located in the eastern ward of Hongkai, in Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. They are the few remaining gardens from the Mian Period, and was originally built in 1567. The gardens are extremely popular with tourists due to their beautiful landscape, peaceful atmosphere and abundance of wildlife.

In popular culture, the Hongkai Gardens were referenced in the 1957 poetry anthology *Cold Wind* as "a place of summer delights and autumn reflections". It has also been featured in other media, such as the famous 1973 novel *Long Road to Nowhere* in which the protagonist Aiqie finds solace under the shade of the crabapple trees.

## History

The Hongkai Gardens were commissioned by an unknown son of a Xing chief in 1567; however, the planning of the gardens did not begin until 1569, nearly three years later. The original area was about half the size of the modern extension, and was said to be an area where the upperclass of the city could stroll, talk, picnic and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

In 1770, Emperor Luanshan organised the refurbishment of the gardens, extending the area by around 6,000 metres. In 1782, after his death, a five-day-long funeral parade was held in the gardens to commemorate his life and celebrate the first period under imperial rule.

Under Emperor Kangzou's rule, the gardens were opened to the public in 1867 (they had previously been reserved for members of the royal court and family). Further extension of the park began, taking it to its current area of 28,000 square metres.

## Features

The gardens is extremely biodiverse, and has a large number of species which thrive in its landscape. Due to the flat, dry land, there is an abundance of crabapple trees, which are celebrated in Hongkai's annual *tangben-ying*. The festival attracts many visitors to the gardens during mid- to late spring. There are approximately 670 crabapple trees present in the gardens.

There is a central water fountain located in the park, encircled by an extensive sun-garden intended for non-religious usage.

The gardens are very busy in the summertime.A flowering white crabapple tree in Hongkai Gardens.
Shenfu

**Shenfu**(沈负; *chénfù*) is a village located in Fengkan District, Feng Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of around 8,500. Traditionally, the village has existed as a agricultural and horticultural community.

In the early Nen Period, Shenfu was settled by the Bian clan, who had exerted control over the north of Feng Prefecture. For more than five hundred years Shenfu remained in their grasp, providing land-grown crops for the fishing villages situated around it. However, after the Battle of Feng Peninsula in 1056, the village fell into the hands of the Tiao clan.

In the late 1960s, archaeologists discovered ceramic remains in the surrounding area of Shenfu, which suggests that there was a large population centuries earlier than previously assumed. These remains, along with other ancient artifacts, are displayed in the Shenfu Village Museum.
Emperor's Glasshouse

The **Emperor's Glasshouse** (皇久兵逛; *huáng jiǔ bīngguàng*) is a public greenhouse located in the eastern ward of Hongkai, in Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. It was constructed in 1935 under commission from Emperor Yaochen, who had a famous love for exotic plants.

The glasshouse was built on the site of a former Qiren temple, which had been become so delapidated that it was almost obsolete. After demolishing the temple, Emperor Yaochen declared the sacred site would be the perfect place to construct the greenhouse.

Although his actions struck controversy with the public, the greenhouse became instantly popular within months of its official opening.

As of 2018, the building is home to over 1,500 different species of plant, most of them tropical or subtropical. In late 2014, the glasshouse was renovated and the variety of plants held there was extended to increase public interest.
Guiyan Rose Park

**Guiyan Rose Park** (瑰岩瑰编; *guīyán guībiān*) is a public park located in Guiyan, Xingjiang District, Xingsu Prefecture. The park was established in 1980. Due to its historical importance, the park has been designated a National Treasure by the Kanton government. In fact, the Rose Park has become something of a symbol representing Guiyan as a whole.

In mid-June, the annual Guiyan Rose Festival is held in the Rose Park. Roses are one of the national flowers of Kanton, and serve as the main theme for this event. At the festival, people can buy rose-themed merchandise, drink traditional rose-water and enjoy live music.

There are over 50 varieties of roses grown in the park, with the traditional English red rose being the most common. Visitors are allowed to touch and smell the flowers, however, it is forbidden to take snippets or cut away plants from the bushes.

The entrance to the park.On a sunny day, the colour of the roses is striking.The outskirts of the park.
Guanquan

**Guanquan** (观全; *guānquán*) is a town located in Xingbang District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of 32,000.

Guanquan is known for its large red-light district and numerous traditional theatres, some of which have been preserved and kept in business for centuries. The town's colloquial nickname is Zhuobiao (桌標; "red candle") as a reference to the customs surrounding prostitution and *qing* entertainment. In fact, Guanquan is one of Xingsu's oldest centres of entertainment, having been established in the late 7th century as a *qingman*.

In the past, the town's economy thrived and the number of residents grew steadily; however, in recent years there has been a worrying decline in Guanquan's population. This is thought to be a result of the town's insular employment opportunities, lack of modern industry and reliance on traditional practices which are quickly falling out of use.

Research shows that many modern Kantonese associate Guanquan with unsavoury business. For this reason, it has become quite an unpopular place, except for those who are willing to traverse the seedy alleys of this ancient town.
Xingkuai District

**Xingkuai District** (行块單; *xíngkuài dān*) is a district under Xingsu Prefecture. In 2018 the district had a population of 1.02 million. Xingkuai is the smallest district in terms of geography, but its high population makes it the most densely-populated region in the prefecture.

Xingkuai was owned entirely by the Xing clan in the Nen Period, and has a long history of conflict. In 731, the Battle of Tiaochan was fought between the Xing and the Pang clans, who consistently vyed for control of the entire southern region. In the early Mian Period, Xingkuai was the first area of Xingsu to come under the control of the Xing, and underwent the earliest religious reform.

Although many historical sites still remain and are well-preserved, Xingkuai is perhaps the most cosmopolitan district of Xingsu and is mainly inhabited by the upper-class.

## Municipalities

### Cities

* Shenmian
* Genju

### Towns

* Kunfu
* Muyou

### Villages

* Fusun
* Andong
Daihuan

**Daihuan**(代患; *dàihuàn*) is a town located in Fengkan District, Feng Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of roughly 14,000.

Historically, Daihuan and its surrounding area was known for being a fishing village, although many of its residents also bred and raised horses. To this day, there are five operating ranches still active in the town. Although Daihuan was settled by the Bian clan, it was governed by a separate branch (the Bian-jie) who were direct descendants of the original family.

In modern times, Daihuan remains as a fishing town, with its local economy being supported by its coastal location and proximity to the sea. Some of the locally caught seafood include sea cucumber, scallops, oysters, squid and sea urchin roe.
Flood of Chengyan

The **Flood of Chengyan** (称岩沈舅; *chēngyán chénjiù*) was a natural disaster which occured on July 6th, 1961. The flood was caused by heavy rains which had swollen the water in Cheng Bay off the north coast of Feng Prefecture and caused the seawater to push past the established floodgates, washing over the town of Chengyan and destroying much of its infrastructure. The flood left at least 119 people dead or missing, with 78 confirmed dead.

## Aftermath

Overall, damages to Fengkuai District reached almost $2,000,000. The government sent out multiple taskforces to rescue those who had been stranded, and hasten the delivery of supplies and support items to other residents in the region.

Approximately 10,000 personnel from police departments, fire departments, and the Coast Guard were deployed across the district to rescue survivors. Evacuations were ordered for roughly 100,000 people across the affected areas. Kanton soldiers patrolled the neighbourhoods during the storms and at the end, knocking on doors and inquiring whether residents were safe or in need of aid.
Rongshiu

**Rongshiu** (荣摄; *róngshè*) is a city located in Xingkuang District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of 230,000.

## History

### Early history

The city was originally settled by the Hu clan, who founded the settlement in the early 10th century. It soon became a prosperous mining town, producing stone, granite and flint from the large amounts found in the foothills of the Yangdu Mountains. Eventually, in the late 13th century, Rongshiu absorbed numerous smaller villages into its circuit, growing in both area and population. By the time the 1300s had arrived, Rongshiu was the largest mining town in the prefecture, with a population of roughly 12,500.

In the 1700s, Rongshiu experienced a short-lived growth in development when a small amount of silver was discovered within the mines.

### 20th century

In 1910, Rongshiu's largest mine collapsed inwards after an explosion, killing almost 300 workers and bringing its industry to a complete standstill. Although attempts were made to repair the damage, the mine was never reopened.

In 1938, Rongshiu's northern ward was heavily damaged by a rockfall which destroyed many buildings and resulted in the repair of most of its infrastructure.

In 1967, a large temple was discovered in Rongshiu's western ward. Although almost entirely destroyed, it was thought to date back to the mid-1100s, and possibly contained the enshrined spirit of a minor mountain spirit.

In 1999, Rongshiu absorbed the neighbouring town of Kangshen into its eastern ward.

### 21st century

In 2003, Rongshiu was connected by fast-rail to the nearby cities of Lakun and Kanchan.

In 2011, the Rongshiu Institute of Technology was founded in the city's southern ward, offering higher education for those interested in engineering and other technical industries.

## Geography

Rongshiu is located on the foothills of the Yangdu Mountain range, and sits in the shadow of the mountain Kunyou. The Kunyou Pass can be reached by road through the city centre of Rongshiu.

The area experiences light snowfall and frost in the winter and short, warm summers which often bring heavy rainfall.

## Economy

Rongshiu's economy formerly relied very heavily on mining, however in modern times most of the population work in the service sector. The manufacturing industry also has a large presence in the city.
Jiu-nutou

A **jiu-nutou** (酒砮偷; *jiǔ nǔtōu*) is a type of nutou inn which is licensed to sell alcohol to its patrons. Most *jiu-nutou* are much cheaper than a nutou, but more expensive than a regular drinking establishment. Nowadays, the average person would rather spend their money in a pub or bar rather than take the trouble to visit a *jiu-nutou*. However, some people still value *jiu-nutou* for their historical and cultural value and novelty.

## History

*Jiu-nutou* were actually predecessors to the nutou, but rarely offered accommodation. In fact, in their first recorded mention in the early 1100s, they were simply referred to as *jiutou*, which is now the modern Kanton name for a pub or bar. As time went on, the establishment evolved into a mix of inn and tavern, eventually becoming *jiu-nutou*.

## Features

*Jiu-nutou* do not include any of the common features that *nutou* are known for, such as communal bathhouses, water gardens or eateries. Instead, they primarily serve travellers who are simply in need of a drink and some rest. The quality of a *jiu-nutou* can range very widely from single-room huts to large, multi-storey hotel-esque establishments. The most notable feature of any *jiu-nutou* is that the 'dormitory' is communal, giving very little privacy to guests.

## Staff

*Jiu-nutou* are almost always staffed by young women. In bygone days, some *jiu-nutou* would include small brothels which were often owned by the same family; the prostitutes would serve in the *jiu-nutou* as well.
Yulai Temple

**Yulai Temple** (予来方; *yǔlái-fāng*) is a temple located in the city of Yulai, in northern Ji Prefecture. It is dedicated to the minor mountain deity, Tanshen, who is also considered to be the patron hallow of coal miners.

According to local legend, the temple was founded in the 13th century by a powerful and respected priest who hoped to offer protection to coal miners by establishing a temple dedicated to Tanshen. However, like most localised Qiren temples, the site was used as a place of prayer long before the construction of a formal building, and was used for general prayer for many years after.

The temple includes a *sentan* (森谭) or 'priest residence' in which local priests once lived and worked. It also features an ornamental sun-garden which, although well-preserved, was closed to the public in 2011. A statue thought to represent the physical form of Tanshen, recreated from a damaged original, sits in the main hall of worship.

Yulai Temple is situated in the south-western foothills of the Yangdu mountain range, near to the old coal fields of Yulai. It is only accessible on foot. Due to being surrounded by crabapple trees, the temple attracts many visitors in May for *tangying*, and again in autumn for viewing of fall foliage.
Peihun

**Peihun** (霈溷; *pèihùn*) is a town located in Fengkan District, Feng Prefecture. As of 2018, the town has a population of around 23,000. It is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of the famous actress Xiliang Jing, born in 1987. During her career she starred in over 70 films and was perhaps the most acclaimed actress of her generation.

Historically, Peihun was a fishing township like many of its neighbouring settlements. The village was best known for its farming of shellfish such as oysters, scallops, lobster, crab and abalone. This industry has continued to thrive into the 21st century, although since the early 1900s Peihun has also become a sleeper community for the nearby city of Guizhang. Unfortunately the town's population has been declining for a number of years, too.

In January 2002, Peihun was linked by train to Daihuan, Guizhang and Shenfu.
Qiren moda

***Moda*** (磨答; *módá*) are Qiren amulets commonly sold at temples and shrines, though homemade versions are believed to be more powerful. They are said to protect against misfortune and the influences of malicious *mao-shen*, and also serve as talismans to bring good luck and abundance to the wearer.

*Moda* are made of wood in the rough shape of a key, the upper portion being circular and the lower being elongated. The name or title of an auspicious deity is carved onto the surface of the wider, circular part. The charm is threaded with white string and worn around the neck. Sometimes, people will collect *moda* or make many of their own, and keep them in a white string bag to carry on their person. However, necklaces can also be made featuring many amulets, and are known as *zhida* (指答).

*Moda* are usually made of hazel wood and heavily varnished with hazel oil. Smaller varieties have become popular in recent years, though these versions are rarely dedicated to any specific deity, and are believed to be less powerful and effective.

At New Year, it is considered good practice to discard any charms that one may have kept during the past twelve months. If one continues to wear *moda* into the new year, their fortunes may be drastically inverted. However when getting rid of an old amulet, it is vital to go about the process correctly. This means washing the *moda* in salt water solution, allowing it to dry, and finally burning it.
Dulang

**Dulang** (笃崀; *dǔlàng*, also known as Cloudspear) is a pyramidal peak located in the Yangdu Mountains, in north-west Kanton. It is perhaps the most well-known mountain by foreigners, as it was scaled by Robin Hodgkin, a British mountaineer, in 1945. The English name of Cloudspear is a direct translation of its Kanton counterpart; it is usually only used outside of the country.

The peak has an elevation of 1,356 metres and is notable for being heavily shrouded in cloud. Due to this, it is the only part of the Yangdu range to repel snow in wintertime, making it unpopular with skiiers.

Dulang has a long history of mythology surrounding it. Some local legends state that Dulang was created when an ancient giant king placed his spear into the earth and left it there. Others claim that Dulang is the home of all the mountain spirits in the region, and that it should not be climbed due to its sacred nature.
Dongyong

**Dongyong**(東邕; *dōngyōng*) is a village located in Fengdong District, Feng Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of around 2,500, making it the smallest settlement in the prefecture.

The area of Dongyong had been inhabited by disparate groups of serfs since the early Nen Period; it is suggested that they were originally migrants from Xingsu Prefecture's west side. These groups were brought together in the 10th century by *sai* of the Tiao clan, who united them into vassals of the family. In return for their service and fealty, the serfs were given a large portion of land which eventually became the township of Dongyong.

The village became a significant producer of crops such as garlic, rice, yams, and apples. Forestry also became a contributor to Dongyong's economy by the 1500s; however, extensive deforestation was prohibited to prevent significant damage to Jinmu Forest. Since then, Dongyong has remained a humble supplier of crops and animal products. In particular, Dongyong beef is prized for its rich flavour.
Bianmi

**Bianmi** (变咪, *biànmī*) is a city located in Xingceng District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, the city has an estimated population of 126,000.

## History

### Early history

Bianmi was established in the early 9th century by a son of the Pang clan chief, and was originally founded as a farming township. The area flourished with the production of a variety of crops, including apples, wheat, rice, plums and potatoes. In the mid-1200s, Bianmi Castle was built on the ruins of the former fortress constructed in the 10th century, and can still be visited by tourists.

### 20th century

In the early 1900s, Bianmi became known as a centre for agriculture and food production for the southern region of Xingsu Prefecture. Its population grew as it expanded and absorbed multiple other settlements into its wards, eventually reaching city status in 1914.

In 1937, Bianmi Castle underwent refurbishment, with a number of lost and previously undiscovered artifacts being returned to the castle.

In 1956, Bianmi's southern ward became a place of heavy processing and industry, and the city began to produce more refined products alongside its raw materials.

In 1981, Bianmi University was opened to the public in the city's eastern ward.

### 21st century

In 2007, Bianmi Castle was officially closed for public visiting due to multiple instances of property being damaged.
Zhangqin

**Zhangqin** (章親; *zhāngqīn*) is a town located in Xingbang District, in Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, it has a population of 26,000.

The town is located just a few miles north of the Ximian River, and has been known primarily as a trading town for many decades. Zhangqin was established in the late 10th century by the Du Clan, and prospered for a long time due to its riverside position and the large area of arable land that surrounded the settlement. Eventually in the late 1800s it was given town status, being one of the first official towns in Xingsu Prefecture.

In modern times, Zhangqin is mostly populated with middle-class residents who can afford the rather highly-priced properties. It underwent large refurbishments in the mid-80s and is now considered to be a particularly upmarket area of the prefecture.
Yangdu Mountains

The **Yangdu Mountains** (阳笃山來; *yángdǔ-shānlái*) make up a mountain range which runs in a north-facing direction, overlapping the prefectures of Xingsu, Ji, Tao and Kanyan, located in north-west Kanton. The mountains are often associated with Qiren religion and spirituality, and have been depicted many times in historical artworks. It is the second-largest mountain range in Kanton.

In popular west Kanton folklore, it is said that the legendary *sai* Yuyang disappeared into the peaks of the Yangdu Mountains once he learned the secret to immortality.

## Mountains

* Fuling
* Mount Weishan
* Mount Zhangshan
* Dulang
* Kunyou
Ji Prefecture

**Ji Prefecture** (纪抠; *jì kōu*) is a land-locked prefecture located in northern Kanton. It lies to the west of the Yangdu mountain range, and is bordered by the neighbouring prefectures Meng, Xingsu, Kanyan, Huaidai, Tao and Mian. The largest settlement in Ji is the city of Linyang, which is also the capital. As of 2018, Ji Prefecture has a population of around 7 million.

## History

### Early history

Ji Prefecture has always been a well-populated area, even from ancient times. Remains of ceramics, pottery, stone tools and even degraded cloth have been discovered all over its landscape, suggesting that it may be one of the most historically-rich prefectures in western Kanton. Additionally, it has been made clear through numerous archaeological finds that Ji was a farming prefecture, and a consistent producer of starchy crops such as sweet potato, yam, wheat and corn. Historians believe that it was a wealthy area.

Indeed, for much of its history Ji Prefecture was a centre of agriculture and distributed many valuable staple crops across western Kanton. Originally governed by three distantly-related clans (Cuan, Cuanjie and Cuandan), its districts were united after the coronation of Emperor Luanshan in 1456. Religion did not take a particularly strong hold on Ji Prefecture as it did on most other western prefectures.

During the Kuai Period, the area of Ji consisted of as many as twenty feudal domains, each ruled by an appointed lord. Farming townships flourished and grew quickly, and the population of the prefecture underwent a rapid period of growth. For many years, Ji Prefecture was one of the most heavily populated and prosperous areas in the entire country.

The nationally-famous Hanghai Temple was constructed in Yulai in 1503 during a short era of religious revival in Ji. Praised as one of the largest and most lavishly-decorated temples of its time, Hanghai Temple was the destination for many pilgrims and travelling monks from all over mid- and western Kanton.

After the coronation of Emperor Luanshan, a rebellion force from Ji Prefecture known as the Righteous Leaders (难柠崆; *nánníng kōng*) attempted to win back the prefecture's independence. This group, comprised of around thirty noblemen from Ji, frequently antagonised imperial forces and fought a number of minor battles before their eventual capture and imprisonment in 1462.

### 20th century

In 1911, Ji Prefecture's eastern district (Jidang-dan) suffered a terrible crop blight which caused mass starvation ad emigration into surrounding prefectures such as Tao and Kanyan. Ji's economy suffered greatly from this event.

In 1949, Laixing University was established in Taomang, the capital city of Ji Prefecture. It was praised as one of the most progressive and high-quality academies of its time, and still holds a lot of prestige.

## Municipalities

### Districts

 Jinan-dan
 Jidong-dan
 Jiping-dan

### Villages

 2
 3
 4
Kunyou Nature Reserve

**Kunyou Nature Reserve** (坤有保纤; *kūnyǒu bǎoxiān*) is located across the foothills and lower summit of Kunyou, in north-west Kanton. The area was designated as a nature reserve in 2009 due to a lack of population and abundance of habitat for native wildlife.

The reserve is mostly covered by coniferous trees, wildflowers and thick bushes. A number of animals have been introduced to the area, such as red deer, red squirrels, grouse and Himalayan tahr. During the winter, the land is usually covered by a thick layer of snow; in summer meltwater from the mountains creates small waterfalls and streams on the steeper slopes.

The reserve is often used for recreational purposes, with activities such as hiking, hillwalking, wild camping and mountain biking. A visitor centre located at the entrance to the reserve offers insight into the native flora and fauna, along with historical information.
Ximian River

The **Ximian River** (细免; *xì-miǎn*) is a river that flows through the north-west of Xingsu Prefecture. The source of the river comes from the Xingshan Mountains; it flows north of Xingshui and meets its twin branch, the Siunin.

Literally named "fair river", the Ximian is also referred to as Kanxingshui-mian (坎行水免; "north Xingshui river"), most commonly in official documents and statements. In the surrounding settlements, some people nickname the river 细孭 (*xìmiē*; "fair maiden") due to the similar pronunciation.
Zhuangyan

**Zhuangyan** (壮岩; *zhuángyàn*) is a town located in Jiping District, Ji Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 17,000.

Zhuangyan was established relatively recently in the 1400s, following the conquest of the previously-unexplored Jiping region of Ji Prefecture by the Ning clan. It was originally a logging town, due to the abundant pine forests which supposedly existed in the area, however very little evidence of their existence remains today. Zhuangyan was originally known as Beiningfu, literally meaning 'east stronghold of the Ning', although the fortress which once stood is thought to have fallen into disrepair centuries ago. After the establishment of the Ji Government in 1503, Zhuangyan was designated as a producer of woven textiles.

In the 1800s, Zhuangyan became known for its high-quality production of lajiu, or rice wine, which was marketed as being uniquely 'pine-scented' according to sources of the time. Known as *zhuangjiu*, this special liqueur is still manufactured on a local level and is the town's most marked cultural export.

In modern times, Zhuangyan's economy has become reliant on the tertiary sector. The town's industrial sector is dominated by companies and corporations related to vehicle manufacture.
Jin-Lia

**Jin-Lia** (劲倆; *jìn-liǎ*) is a sacred oak tree located in Jinmu Forest in north-west Kanton. For centuries the tree has been venerated as a *shen-diu*, a physical manifestation of the deity *Xiang-Ju-Jing*. It is one of the largest trees in the forest, and is regularly visited by tourists and sightseers. In 1945, it was designated as a National Treasure by the Kantonese government.

Jin-Lia is one of the most famed and honoured *shen-diu* in western Kanton, and is estimated to be over 1,500 years old. Often, visitors will report feeling 'moved' or 'intimidated' by the tree's presence and proximity. For religious reasons, no-one is allowed to go within 10 feet of Jin-Lia's trunk, or touch the tree's branches. There are six small shrines located nearby, all of which are open to visitors.
Wan-ming

A **wan-ming** (萬命; *wànmìng*) is a traditional Qiren ceremony conducted when a young person reaches the age of maturity, 16. It is also known as a coming-of-age ritual. *Wan-ming* are usually held on the fifth day after one's sixteenth birthday; their purpose is to congratulate and highlight the dawning maturity of the individual, and help them to adjust to the responsibilities of adult life. The ceremony itself is held at home or at a temple in the early evening, and late-night after-parties are common.

## History

Coming-of-age is something which has been celebrated in Kanton for many centuries, and was originally a ritual of the Shenlu faith. *Wan-ming* was one of the first rituals to be adopted into Qiren in its early days. Unlike a birthday, *wan-ming* is treated as a holiday, and ensures the young person a day out of school or work to celebrate.

*Wan-ming* was originally celebrated at the age of 14; however, the age was raised to 16 in 1953 following the similar change of age of consent.

## Ceremonies

*Wan-ming* mark a teenager reaching the age of maturity, which reflects their expanded rights and increased responsibilities expected of them. The ritual is often starts at any time between 7-8pm, though 7 o'clock is the accepted norm.

The ceremony begins with the dressing of the individual in an outfit known as *wan-ming-zhuang* - an ensemble including traditional robes, sandals, hair ornaments and a cloak. The robes are coloured red for young women, and black for young men. Girls are expected to wear their hair down their back in a thick plait, but boys do not have to style their own. Since a full set of formal clothing is expensive, ceremonial garb is either rented or simply passed down through the generations. Make-up is also worn. Young womens' faces are painted with white/red patterns, while young men colour their lips and eye-lids black.
Kanbai-Lianda Fortress

**Kanbai-Lianda Fortress** (侃呗连大莽; *kǎnbài liándà mǎng*) is an ancient fortress located in the east of Xingsu Prefecture. The fort, built by the Kanshu clan in the late 9th century, has been reduced to ruins over time; however it still attracts a number of visitors.

The fortress was built on a small patch of well-drained land, overlooking the meeting of the Tao and Siutao rivers. It is thought that the fort was originally meant to be a watchtower due to its unusual structure, however, the top levels were eventually diminished over the centuries.

In 2017, Xingsu Prefectural Government declared that restoration efforts would begin in order to return the fortress to its former state. However, after the typhoon that ripped through the prefecture in late 2018, this plan was abandoned.
Yushen

**Yushen** (與身; *yǔshēn*) is a town located in Jinan District, Ji Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of 48,000. Its name literally means 'beside the Yu', referring to the Yu River which flows past the town's southern ward.

Yushen was originally part of the western ward of its neighbouring settlement Touyan, and was granted independent status in 1667 as its population exceeded 1,500. For a very long while, Yushen existed as a post station or travellers' town (*wangman*) for around a century, until the late 1700s when a small cloth manufacturing industry began in the heart of the town. Since then, Yushen has been known as a producer of high-quality fabrics.

Retained from its past days as a wangman, Yushen is home to a thriving riverboat industry along the Yu River which has existed for centuries. Originally intended as a genuine way to reach Yushen for travellers coming from Meng Prefecture and other places, the riverboat system has now become an attractive novelty for tourists in the town. One ride for two people is relatively inexpensive and offers a picturesque tour. Yushen has always had an active boating community, and many residents once lived in barges on the river.

In May 2011, Yushen was badly affected by flooding from the Yu River, which caused damages to infrastructure and property throughout the town's southern riverside district.

The northern end of the Anpou Bridge is situated within Yushen's boundary in its southern ward.