Shíchéng

Shicheng stands on the Qin River in the mountains of southeastern Jiangxi, on routes toward Fujian and Guangdong. The county was founded in 953, with its seat beside the river. To the southeast, the red cliffs and caves of Tongtianzhai rise above the valleys, their weathered surfaces cracked into striking patterns. Tea grew on the rocky heights; Malan tea from the mountain was sent as tribute during the Ming and Qing. An old Buddhist pagoda and city walls marked the county town below.