Hequ Xikou Ancient Ferry

Hequ, Xinzhou Xikou Ancient Ferry is located on the east bank of the Yellow River at the west end of Huanghe East Street in Hequ County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. Since the Han Dynasty, this place has been a ferry crossing for entering and leaving Shanxi and Shaanxi. On the east bank of the Yellow River, there is only this ferry, while on the west bank, there are two ferries, one to the north and one to the south. The northern one is Dakou Ferry in Zhungeer Banner, Inner Mongolia, and the southern one is Dashan Ferry in Fugu County, Shaanxi Province. Historically, Xikou Ancient Ferry held significant economic and trade importance, flourishing during the Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In 1697, Emperor Kangxi crossed the Yellow River at Hequ Ferry during his third expedition against Galdan, traveling from Beijing to Xinjiang. Hequ area is located on the Loess Plateau, with barren land and frequent natural disasters, leading to a difficult life for the people. To make a living, many locals had to leave their homes and go to places like Inner Mongolia to seek livelihoods, a phenomenon known as "Zou Xikou" (Going West). The folk song "Zou Xikou" originated from Hequ. In those days, the people of Shanxi who went west were mostly forced by famine, while some from moderately well-off families chose it as a way to get rich. However, regardless of their background, going west meant leaving their homes and facing certain dangers. The local folk song "Zou Xikou" from Hequ tells the sorrowful story of a newlywed couple's separation and the hardships faced by Shanxi people seeking livelihoods elsewhere. Today, Xikou Ancient Ferry has become one of the iconic attractions of Hequ County. The ancient ferry square still retains buildings such as the Yu King Temple, an ancient stage, and a paifang (archway).