Banyan trees everywhere and convenient access to other cities gave the town its name "Rongjin", which in Chinese means both banyan and ferry.
The town was originally built at the end of the Tang Dynasty, more than 1,000 years ago. It connects via a water network with Guilin in the north, Wuzhou in the south and Guangzhou in the east. Its unique geographical location turned it into a trade center very early on. And it's still flourishing today, as you can see from the city's main axis, Rongjin Street.
The town's fame led many outsiders, especially from the Hakka minority, to settle here. Like all melting pots, Rongjin gradually developed its own unique style, best represented in the stone bridges, narrow lanes, ancient houses and customs that still exist today. Each year, Hakka people from across the country converge on the town to make offerings to their beloved Mazu Goddess, who gives them comfort and courage to overcome difficulties far away from home.
(CCTV.com September 18, 2003)
