The Shield of Central Fujian: Gongchuan Ancient City and Lineage Fortresses in Ming-Qing Turmoil
The Shield of Central Fujian: Gongchuan Ancient City and Lineage Abstract This article focuses on Gongchuan Ancient Town, a strategic gateway in Central Fujian. During the turbulent transition from the Ming to the Qing Dynasty, Gongchuan evolved from a commercial hub into a rigorous defense system. By analyzing the structural evolution of the Benlü Ancient City Wall, the mobilization of local militias in Central Fujian during the late Ming and early Qing, and the pivotal role of the Chen and Cao lineages in local autonomy, we can understand how these “Lineage Fortresses” protected lives in times of chaos. Drawing from core historical materials such as the Kangxi Yong’an County Chronicle, this piece reconstructs a period where iron, blood, and cultural heritage intertwined. ...