Maple Leaf Tobacco Barn Introduction
When it comes to tobacco barns, many people's first impression is Fenglin, but Ruifeng was once a production area for tobacco leaves, and the processed tobacco leaves were sent to Fenglin for sale. Along the way to Hongye Hot Spring, in a small alley opposite a convenience store, several tobacco barns are hidden away, covered with layers of moss on their black tiles. The weathered red brick walls and wooden boards are adorned with thought-provoking poems and artworks. Walking through the alley allows travelers to reminisce about the glorious history of tobacco production in Ruifeng. During the Japanese occupation, tobacco leaves were also known as "green gold" due to their significant economic value. Initially, only the Japanese had the rights to produce tobacco, hiring locals to grow and cure the leaves. After World War II, the tobacco barns used for curing and storing tobacco leaves were given to tenant farmers by their owners or distributed by the local dignitaries known as "Baozheng" (similar to today's village heads). Today, only 14 relatively intact tobacco barns remain in Ruifeng, while some have fallen into disrepair, with roofs and structures showing signs of dilapidation, so travelers should be cautious when visiting.
