Going Back to Anhui: Formation of Huizhou Culture

The “Going back to Anhui Movement” and Wuyuan’s jurisdiction is meaningful in that it is an example of an encounter of national policy and civil movement. Behind the theme were various factors: long existing animosity between two places, Wuyuan lineages’ connection with Huizhou, Huizhou’s typical guardian folk religion, and the difference in economy. These all come together to support the unity of Huizhou prefecture. They became the abundant supporting force for the civil movement and local identity. Setting the “Going back to Anhui Movement” as a starting point, this essay aims to discuss Huizhou culture’s formation through anti-Jiangxi sentiment’s development, faith in guardian gods among its six counties, and a unique economy, both locally and nationwide in the late Imperial China. By analyzing the formation of Huizhou culture, it’s worth noticing that culture and history should still play important roles in the administrative division. National policy isn’t omnipotent and it’s always arbitrary when reaching a local level. In the long run, historical heritage and cultural identity should be taken into granted in administrative division. Geographical names, such as Wuyuan and Huizhou, with a rich heritage, is not merely a symbol, but a trait of a historical fountain, and a belt connecting today and yesterday.