Red Maple Tobacco Kiln Introduction
When it comes to tobacco curing barns, many people's first impression is of Fenglin, but Ruisui was also a significant production area for tobacco leaves. The tobacco processed in these barns would be sent to Fenglin for sale. On the way to Hongye Hot Springs, tucked away in a small alley opposite a convenience store, stand several tobacco barns, their black roofs covered in layers of moss, the weathered red brick walls and wooden boards adorned with thought-provoking poetry and artwork. Strolling through the alley allows travelers to reminisce about the glorious history of tobacco production in Ruisui. During the Japanese occupation, tobacco leaves, also known as "green gold," were highly valuable crops. In the early days, only the Japanese had the rights to produce tobacco, employing locals to cultivate and cure the leaves. After World War II, the barns used for curing and storing tobacco were either donated to tenant farmers by the owners or distributed by local gentry who served as village leaders. Today, only 14 relatively intact tobacco barns remain in Ruisui, and some have fallen into disrepair, with roofs leaning and structural integrity compromised. Travelers wishing to explore these sites should exercise caution.
