Daqi prayed silently, "Grandpa City God, please bless my mother with good health! Let me spend my life with these seventeen beauties! Whenever I have the chance to come to Shanghai, I will definitely offer incense to you, Grandpa City God!"
After offering incense to the City God, Daqi continued leading the group of beauties to explore the shops near the City God Temple. They had all sorts of delicious food and fun things to do, and the women were overjoyed. Plus, things were cheap, so each of them bought a lot of things. The tour guide was also beaming with delight, knowing that with Daqi's beautiful wives buying so much, her commission would be substantial. After visiting the City God Temple, Daqi led the group to Yu Garden.
Yu Garden in Shanghai. Located in the bustling northeast corner of Shanghai's old city, Yu Garden is bordered by Fuyou Road to the north, Anren Street to the east, and the City God Temple and Yu Garden Bazaar to the west. It is a famous classical garden in the Jiangnan region, a renowned historical site and tourist destination, and was listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit by the State Council in 1982.
Yu Garden was first built in 1559 (the 38th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty) as the private garden of Pan Yunduan, the Sichuan Provincial Governor of the Ming Dynasty. The character "Yu" means "peace" or "tranquility," and the name "Yu Garden" implies "pleasing one's elders." In 1956, the Shanghai Municipal People's Government undertook a large-scale renovation of Yu Garden, and it officially opened to the public in 1961. The current Yu Garden covers an area of 2 hectares, with its staggered pavilions, rugged rocks, and lush trees. It is known for its serene beauty and exquisite details, possessing a unique charm within its small size. It is a classical garden that embodies the essence of southern garden architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with over forty scenic spots open to visitors, divided into six major areas: the Grand Rockery, Wanhua Tower, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Tower, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden.
Sansui Hall is one of the main buildings in Yu Garden. The name "Sansui" (meaning "three ears of grain") carries auspicious connotations. During the Qing Dynasty, it was the political and economic center of Shanghai; scholars and gentry celebrated imperial ceremonies and delivered speeches here. The hall is furnished with valuable Qing Dynasty rosewood furniture.
The Huangshi Grand Rockery is the oldest, most exquisite, and largest existing artificial rockery in the Jiangnan region, built by Zhang Nanyang, a master rockery artist of the Ming Dynasty. Entering this rockery, visitors feel as if they are amidst a real mountain range with overlapping peaks. The iron lion, cast in the Yuan Dynasty, is one of the earliest cultural relics in the garden. It is vividly shaped and exquisitely crafted. The ginkgo tree, located in front of the Wanhua Tower, is 24 meters tall and is said to have been planted by the garden's owner when it was built. It still flourishes and thrives today. The Cloud-Piercing Dragon Wall on the east side of the Wanhua Tower is a characteristic feature of Yu Garden. The dragon's head is sculpted from clay, and the body is covered with tiles as scales. The entire dragon seems to be raising its head and soaring into the clouds, symbolizing the prosperous rise of the Chinese people.
Dianchun Hall was built in the early years of the Daoguang Emperor's reign (1820 AD). From September 1853 to February 1855, it served as the headquarters for the Shanghai Small Swords Society uprising. It now displays artifacts related to the uprising. In 1985, it was designated a "Shanghai Youth Education Base" by the Shanghai Municipal Government.
Hexutang gets its name from its location facing mountains and backed by water, offering a warm winter and cool summer environment, described as "warm and gentle." The banyan root furniture on display is over 200 years old, its materials and design...
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This is extremely rare in China.
Watching fish at Huijing Pond is also a part of visiting the Yu Garden. The brightly colored red carp swim in large groups, creating a spectacular sight.
"Yu Linglong" is the treasure of Yu Garden and is hailed as the foremost of the three famous stones in Jiangnan. Originally a relic of the Flower and Stone Gang during the Northern Song Dynasty, it possesses the beauty of being "wrinkled, slender, and translucent".
Facing the jade pendant is the owner's study, Yuhua Hall. Inside Yuhua Hall is an elegant Ming Dynasty study, with its desk, painting table, armchair, and recliner all being precious pieces of Ming Dynasty rosewood furniture.
The white magnolia tree in front of Yuhua Hall is the oldest city flower tree in Shanghai.
The Deyue Tower, located to the west of Yulinglong Garden, is a two-story building surrounded by water on three sides. On moonlit nights, one can climb the tower to view the moon, its reflection shimmering in the water. The upper floor displays valuable artifacts such as mahogany furniture inlaid with large areas of burl wood, a gilded and carved rosewood cabinet, and boxwood root carvings. Below, the eaves of the corridor are decorated with various shapes and styles of the character for "longevity," hence the name "Hundred Longevity Corridor." Crossing the Huanlong Bridge leads to the inner garden. Built in the 48th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1709 AD), the inner garden was originally named Dongyuan (East Garden). Now a garden within Yu Garden, it covers only 0.36 acres, but is exquisitely crafted, complete with pavilions, terraces, bridges, and flowing water—a well-preserved Qing Dynasty garden. The ancient stage, built in the 14th year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign (1888 AD), features carved beams and painted rafters, and is hailed as the "Number One Ancient Stage in Jiangnan" in the education sector. Its domed ceiling, ornately decorated and structurally sound, contributes to excellent acoustics.
Many brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings scattered throughout Yu Garden are not only historically significant but also exquisitely crafted. Works such as "Immortals," "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea," "The Moon Palace," "Guo Ziyi Celebrating His Birthday," "Plum Blossom Wife and Crane Child," "Going to the Capital for the Imperial Examination," and "Passing the Imperial Examination in Three Rounds" are of great cultural and aesthetic value.
As a carrier of traditional Chinese culture, Yu Garden has been associated with calligraphy and painting since its inception. Famous Ming Dynasty calligraphers and painters such as Wang Zhideng, Dong Qichang, Wang Shizhen, and Mo Shilong composed poems, inscribed plaques, and painted in Yu Garden. In 1909 (the first year of the Xuantong reign), the "Yu Garden Calligraphy and Painting Charity Association," initiated by Gao Yong, Yang Yi, Qian Huian, Wu Changshuo, Wang Yiting, and others at Deyuelou, became the origin of the Shanghai School of painting. Over the years, Yu Garden now houses thousands of precious cultural relics, including calligraphy, paintings, furniture, and ceramics.
Yu Garden is renowned worldwide for its distinctive national style. In the nearly forty years since its restoration and opening, it has received over 100 million domestic and international visitors, including dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, US President Bill Clinton, German President Herzog, Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, and Cuban President Fidel Castro. This outstanding Chinese national heritage has always received the close attention of the Party and the government. In 1999, on the 440th anniversary of Yu Garden's founding, General Secretary Jiang Zemin gladly accepted the invitation to inscribe the words "Famous Garden by the Sea" for this famous scenic spot in Jiangnan. The inscription stone, carved from Huangshan stone, stands inside the gate of Yu Garden, becoming one of its most beautiful scenic spots.
Daqi led a group of beautiful women to a teahouse in Yu Garden. The waiters warmly welcomed them. The teahouse staff were astonished to see so many beautiful women arrive at once. Two of the staff members began to talk.
Staff member A: "Is today a beauty pageant? Otherwise, why are there so many beautiful women?"
Staff member B: "No, beauty pageants feature beauties from all over the world, but these are all Chinese. And they're even prettier than those beauty pageant contestants! My goodness, I've worked at Yu Garden for 20 years and have seen countless beauties. But I've never seen more than a dozen such outstanding and beautiful women all at once like today."
Staff Member A: "Hey buddy, that's weird. Why are all these dozen or so beautiful women surrounding one man? Who is he? Is he the son of a central government leader?"
Staff member B: "Bullshit, how could the son of a central leader dare to be so arrogant? I bet he's a director of a TV series or movie. Only a director has the ability to control a dozen beauties at once."
Staff member A: "I'll go talk to the City God another day and ask him to cast a spell so I can become a TV or movie director. I only need one beautiful woman; I can't handle so many!" The two chatted for a while. While they were chatting, Daqi chatted and took pictures with his mother and the seventeen beautiful women. Qianru and Chunxiao suggested, "Master, let's take a family photo here and ask the tour guide to help us!" Daqi and Qiwen all agreed. So, he took a family photo in Yu Garden.
After visiting Yu Garden, Daqi asked the tour guide, Ms. Yu, "Ms. Yu, is our Shanghai trip over?" Ms. Yu nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. Tong, we'll be taking a luxury bus to Hangzhou tomorrow, where we'll spend two or three days." Daqi said, "Ms. Yu, there's one more place in Shanghai we haven't visited yet. I'd like you to arrange it." Ms. Yu smiled and said, "Mr. Tong, please tell me. We've already visited all the major tourist spots in Shanghai." Daqi said, "There's one more place we absolutely must visit." Xiao Li smiled and said, "Master, is it the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China?" Daqi happily said, "Xiao Li understands me perfectly! Ms. Yu, please take us to the site of the First National Congress right away. Don't worry, the cost is not a problem." Ms. Yu immediately said, "Okay, I'll arrange it right away!" So, Daqi and his family boarded a luxury bus and headed towards the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
Daqi said to the group of beauties, "Ladies, we are going to the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China to receive some revolutionary education."
Qianru and Chunxiao said, "Our company organized a visit there before."
Xiao Li laughed and said, "Okay, let's go and receive education from the Party organization."
Qiwen said, "We call this responding to the call of the Party Central Committee and never forgetting our revolutionary spirit!" Everyone laughed heartily. Daqi said, "Time flies! The great Communist Party of China is almost 80 years old. After nearly 80 years of development, the Chinese people have truly stood up and become prosperous." The horse said, "Master, let me test you. What are the main achievements of the great Communist Party of China in these 80 years?" Daqi said, "On the eve of the full-scale War of Resistance Against Japan, the peaceful resolution of the Xi'an Incident played a crucial role; during the eight-year War of Resistance, Chiang Kai-shek in Chongqing, behind enemy lines, was mainly fighting the Japanese army with the Eighth Route Army, the New Fourth Army, and guerrillas led by the Communist Party; the three-year War of Liberation directly forced Chiang Kai-shek to Taiwan; later, to be precise, the Communist Party led the Chinese people to 'punch the Soviet revisionists and kick the American imperialists,' and the Chinese people stood tall and proud in the world, especially in front of the arrogant Americans; finally, the twenty years of reform and opening up led the Chinese people to truly become prosperous." Muping said, "My goodness, these 80 years of history can be condensed into just a few sentences!"
Chapter 223 Little Wife
"Hahaha," everyone laughed. Qiwen said, "Good things come in small packages! Let's go see the site of the great First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party now." Muping said, "I heard from my father that the last day of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held on a boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing, not in Shanghai. Master, how is that possible?"
Daqi laughed and said, "Ping'er, your father is right. The First National Congress of the Communist Party of China lasted for several days, and the last day was indeed held on a boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing."
Meiting asked, "Why? Why not go to Shanghai instead of Jiaxing?"
Daqi said, "Back then, when the earliest members of the Communist Party were holding a meeting, they were 'sniffed out' by secret agents and police. The comrades present decided on the spot to move to a safe place to finish the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China. So, strictly speaking, the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China included both Shanghai and Jiaxing."
They chatted all the way, and the car soon arrived at the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Daqi led his mother and seventeen beautiful women on a tour of the site.
The site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Shanghai. The site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Workers' Party was located at 76 Xingye Road (formerly 106 Wangzhi Road), Luwan District. On July 23, 1921, Mao Zedong, He Shuheng, Dong Biwu, Chen Tanqiu, Wang Jinmei, Deng Enming, Li Da, Li Hanjun, Liu Renjing, Zhang Guopeng, Chen Gongbo, Zhou Fohai, and Chen Duxiu, with Bao Huisheng representing more than 50 party members nationwide, held the First National Congress of the Chinese Workers' Party here. The meeting was held in the downstairs reception hall, with a conference table in the center. Seating was not fixed, and delegates reported on their work, discussed the party program, and future practical work. Due to interference from spies from the French Concession police, the delegates moved to Jiaxing, Zhejiang. On the last day (July 31, the meeting continued on a pleasure boat on Nanhu Lake), the party program and resolutions on the party's work tasks were adopted, the central leadership was elected, and the founding of the Chinese Workers' Party was proclaimed. The Shanghai meeting site is a two-story Shikumen house. This Shikumen building was built in 1920 and was the residence of Li Hanjun, a representative of the Shanghai Communist Group, and his brother Li Shucheng. The meeting was held in the living room downstairs of Li's residence.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, after investigation and verification, restored the site to its original appearance and established the Memorial Hall. In 1961, it was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council. The Memorial Hall also has auxiliary exhibition rooms displaying documents from the founding period of the Communist Party of China. The Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China has three auxiliary exhibition rooms, housing nearly 200 precious revolutionary and historical documents, truthfully recording the historical landscape of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The first exhibition room introduces the historical background of the founding of the Communist Party of China through photographs, charts, and materials. The second exhibition room focuses on the activities of communist groups in various regions, containing over 70 photographs, documents, and charts describing the activities of these groups. The third exhibition room showcases the entire process of the birth of the Communist Party of China, displaying relevant historical pictures and precious materials.
While visiting the Shikumen residence at No. 76 Xingye Road (the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China), Daqi said to Qiwen, "Did you know that my grandfather did business with the Red Army in the Central Soviet Area? You won't find that in history books." Qianru and Chunxiao immediately asked Daqi to tell them about his grandfather's business dealings with the Central Red Army. Daqi gave a brief account. Chunxiao said, "So, our Tong family's ancestors did make some contributions to the revolution!" Daqi happily replied, "That's right, that's right! That's why I had to bring everyone to see this site today."
We are not people who have forgotten our roots!
After visiting the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, it was getting late. Daqi led his family back to the hotel, where he spent the night with Suping and Pingjia. As a man, he naturally wanted to enjoy a passionate night with his beloved Suqin and his close "little sweetheart" Pingjia, but I won't go into details here.
After a passionate night with Suqin and Pingjia, Daqi fell fast asleep in their arms. At daybreak, the tour guide woke Daqi. Daqi also woke his whole family, as they were heading to Hangzhou, the last city on their tour, known as "Paradise on Earth." They had traveled from Shanghai to the beautiful city of Hangzhou in less than two hours by luxury tour bus. Their bus drove directly to the West Lake.
Xiaoman said, "Brother Qi, West Lake is so beautiful. Hangzhou is known as the most romantic city in China, and it's truly no exaggeration. Look, it's so beautiful here."
Daqi smiled and said, "If Hangzhou didn't have West Lake, where would its romance and beauty come from? West Lake is the lifeblood of the people of Hangzhou! It is indeed very beautiful here!"
The tour guide led Daqi and his friends on a tour of West Lake. Daqi, Qiwen, and Xiaoli asked the guide to take their time and visit all ten scenic spots of West Lake. The tour guide, Ms. Yu, nodded.
She agreed, and then led Daqi and his family to tour the beautiful "Ten Scenes of West Lake." The tour guide specifically asked Daqi, "Mr. Tong, would you like to visit the traditional ten scenes or the new ten scenes?" Daqi replied, "The traditional ten scenes, I guess. I'm not very familiar with the new ten scenes, but I've heard 'Wushan Tianfeng' is quite nice, so let's visit the '10+1'!" The tour guide said, "Visiting so many attractions will take at least three days." Daqi smiled and said, "Ms. Yu, I'm not in a hurry, a few days isn't a problem." Ms. Yu smiled slightly and said, "Okay, no problem!"
The weather was exceptionally good, and Daqi's family was in a particularly good mood. Over the next few days, Daqi's family visited the "10+1" scenic spots of West Lake.
West Lake is a poem, a natural painting, a beautiful and moving story. Whether long-time residents or fleeting travelers, all are captivated by its unparalleled beauty. The autumn wind is brisk, orioles sing, and grasses grow tall. The Su and Bai causeways are lined with peach and willow trees. On both sides, the water ripples, dotted with boats, while in the distance, the mountains are shrouded in mist, their green hues shimmering. Daqi and his family walked along the causeway, marveling at the scenery before them, even feeling entranced, wondering if they had entered a fairyland. Daqi was very fortunate to still see lotus flowers, even though it was already autumn. The beauty of West Lake is not limited to spring; in summer, the lotus flowers stretch to the sky, their green petals reflecting the moonlight in the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon in autumn nights; in winter, the red plum blossoms cast their sparse shadows after the snow; and there are also the warbling of orioles in the misty willows, and the pavilions shrouded in a light rain—no matter the visitor…
No matter when you visit, you'll experience its extraordinary beauty. Daqi remarked with emotion, "West Lake is also incredibly beautiful in autumn!"
The Ten Scenes of West Lake were formed during the Southern Song Dynasty. They are basically distributed around West Lake, and some are even located on the lake itself. Each of the ten scenes has its own unique charm, and together they represent the essence of the ancient West Lake's scenic beauty. Bai Juyi once praised them in a poem: "The water sparkles beautifully on a sunny day, the mountains are misty and enchanting even in the rain. If you want to compare West Lake to Xi Shi, it is beautiful whether lightly or heavily adorned."
Spring Dawn on Su Causeway. Located on the west side of West Lake, Su Causeway was built by Su Dongpo during his tenure as governor of Hangzhou. He dredged the lake and used the dredged mud to construct this causeway, upon which six bridges were built. The long causeway stretches like a rainbow, willows sway like clouds, and clear, blue waters reflect each other. It is especially beautiful on a spring morning.
Amidst the light mist and verdant foliage, strolling along the long causeway is like wandering through a painting. The Su Causeway stretches nearly three kilometers from the foot of Nanping Mountain in the south to the foot of Qixia Ridge in the north. It was constructed by the great Northern Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo when he served as the prefect of Hangzhou, using the silt dredged from West Lake. Later generations...
To commemorate Su Dongpo's achievements in managing West Lake, it was named Su Causeway. This long causeway stretches across the water, connecting the southern and northern mountains, adding a charming scenic line to West Lake. During the Southern Song Dynasty, "Spring Dawn on Su Causeway" was listed as the first of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. In the Yuan Dynasty, it was also known as "Six Bridges and Misty Willows" and included in the Ten Scenes of Qiantang, demonstrating its enduring popularity. Su Causeway is like a graceful messenger of spring, with willows lining its banks, vibrant peach blossoms, and the mirror-like lake reflecting their graceful forms, exuding boundless tenderness. Most captivating are the moments at dawn and dusk, when the moon sets behind the western mountains, a gentle breeze blowing, the willow branches swaying and fluttering—standing on the causeway is truly enchanting. Su Causeway is also planted with various ornamental flowers and trees such as magnolias, cherry blossoms, hibiscus, and osmanthus, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape throughout the year. With the changing seasons, the atmosphere and scenery vary depending on the time of day, the weather, and the atmosphere. Its picturesque scenery makes Su Causeway a popular destination for visitors year-round. During the Southern Song Dynasty, a market once formed on the lake. The *Wulin Old Stories*, describing the bustling lake excursions around the Qingming Festival, wrote: "Along the Su Causeway, peach and willow trees cast deep shadows, their red and green hues interspersed. Tightrope walking, horse riding, coin throwing, ball tossing, wood kicking, sand throwing, knife swallowing, fire breathing, hoop jumping, somersaults, and various kinds of bird and insect games were performed in a lively gathering. There were also markets selling fragrant tea, fine fruits, and wine. Colorful puppets, lotus boats, warhorses, sheng (a type of reed pipe instrument), drums, and various theatrical props were offered to entertain children, forming a market everywhere." The Su Causeway, a long causeway with six undulating bridges, provides visitors with a leisurely and varied route for sightseeing. Walking on the causeway and bridges, the scenic beauty of the lake and mountains unfolds like a painting, offering a myriad of charms for visitors to appreciate. The six arched bridges on the Su Causeway run from south to north...
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The bridges are named Yingbo, Suolan, Wangshan, Yadi, Dongpu, and Kuahong. Each bridge offers a unique view: Yingbo Bridge is adjacent to Huagang Park, with weeping willows and shimmering water; Suolan Bridge offers a close view of Xiaoyingzhou Island and a distant view of Baoshu Pagoda, creating a sense of near realism and distant illusion; Wangshan Bridge offers a westward view of Dingjia Mountain, with its verdant peaks and towering clouds; Yadi Bridge is roughly located at the golden ratio of the north and south sides of Su Causeway, and was formerly a waterway for boats traveling east and west on the lake. The "Su Causeway in Spring Dawn" scenic stele pavilion is located south of the bridge; Dongpu Bridge is suspected to be a mispronunciation of "Shupu Bridge," as it is one of the best spots to watch the sunrise on the lake; Kuahong Bridge offers a view of a rainbow arching across the sky after the rain, bathing the lake and mountains in sunlight, like entering a fairyland.
Pinghu Qiuyue (Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake) is a scenic area located at the western end of Bai Causeway, on the southern slope of Gushan Island, bordering the outer West Lake. Actually, as one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, Pinghu Qiuyue did not have a fixed location during the Southern Song Dynasty. This is evident from the poems written by literati of that time and the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, which mostly described the scene from the perspective of boating on the lake at night and appreciating the moon from a boat. For example, Sun Rui of the Southern Song Dynasty wrote, "The cold moon shines on the still spring, where can one find boats to sing?" Hong Zhanzu of the Ming Dynasty wrote in his poem, "Autumn boats climb the ripples on the waves, the fairy mountains and pavilions are like dust in a mirror." Even in the woodblock prints of the Ten Scenes of West Lake from the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, the image of Pinghu Qiuyue still features tourists on boats looking up at the moon. The current location of Pinghu Qiuyue was actually determined after the 38th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign. At that time, the original Dragon King Hall was transformed into the Imperial Writing Pavilion. A stone platform was built in front of the pavilion, extending over the lake, surrounded by railings. A waterside pavilion was constructed beside it, displaying a plaque inscribed with the words "Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake" by Emperor Kangxi. Later, a scenic stele pavilion was added to its left. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, through replanning and gradual renovation, expansion, and new construction, a long and narrow lakeside garden was formed, planted with seasonal flowers and trees, dotted with artificial hills and rocks, and interspersed with pavilions and towers, making it even more suitable for moon viewing, tea tasting, and leisure. The autumn moon over West Lake has been recognized since ancient times as a beautiful time and place, full of poetic and picturesque charm. The pavilion at Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake overlooks the water from its high pavilion, with its exquisite windows overlooking the water. The platform is wide and offers a broad view. On an autumn night, gazing into the distance, one sees the bright moon in the sky, the lake and sky merging into one blue expanse, a refreshing breeze blowing, and the moon and water blending together, making one forget what night it is. In fact, the beauty is not limited to autumn, nor is it limited to moonlit nights. As the Qing dynasty poet Luo Chengxiang wrote, "Summer breezes and winter sun come through the window; the bright moon over the front mountain and the mountain behind are seen through the rolled-up curtain." Although the Pinghu Qiuyue Scenic Area may be the smallest among the ten scenic spots of West Lake, visitors can still explore and appreciate its historical sites and cultural significance. As early as the Tang Dynasty, the Wanghu Pavilion was built here. During the Southern Song Dynasty, with the construction of the Sisheng Yanxiang Temple, a royal Taoist temple on Gushan Island, the Wangyue Pavilion was also built. The phrases "looking at the lake" and "looking at the moon" foreshadowed the later location of Pinghu Qiuyue. During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, when the eunuch Sun Long spent a large sum of money to renovate the old scenery of West Lake, he extensively repaired the Wanghu Pavilion. The writer Zhang Dai recorded in "Dreaming of West Lake": "It was renovated and splendid, with the addition of terraces, where one could enjoy the breeze and the moon, and where banquets, music, and plays were held every day. Now it has been transformed into the Dragon King Hall." The Lake-Sky-Green Pavilion, located in the western part of the scenic area, was originally a relic of "Luo Garden," the private villa of the wealthy Jewish merchant and "adventurer" Hardoon in the late Qing and early Republican periods. Later, it became the cradle of the modern Chinese woodcut movement—the site of the Eight Arts Society. Today, it has been converted into the Xiling Academy of Painting and Calligraphy, adding a scholarly atmosphere to the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains.
Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds. This scenic spot is located near Hongchun Bridge on Lingyin Road. "Twin Peaks" refers to the most famous South Peak and North Peak in the Huanhu Mountain Range. When a mountain rain is imminent, looking at the Twin Peaks from this spot, the thick clouds resemble distant mountains, while the distant mountains appear as faint floating clouds, and the peaks, hazy and indistinct, pierce the clouds, like an ink wash painting. The majestic Tianmu Mountain extends eastward, and one branch of its spurs splits north and south upon encountering West Lake, forming the South Mountain and North Mountain of the West Lake Scenic Area. In ancient times, both South Peak and North Peak were occupied by monks, with pagodas built on their summits, facing each other and towering above the surrounding peaks. On fine days in spring and autumn, when the mist is emerald green and the fog is white, the pagoda tips pierce the clouds, sometimes appearing and sometimes disappearing, creating an extraordinary sight from afar. During the Southern Song Dynasty, "Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds" was listed as one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty renamed it "Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds" and built a scenic stele pavilion near Hongchun Bridge. By then, the ancient pagodas on the Twin Peaks had long been destroyed, so much so that even the original meaning of this scenic spot was difficult to understand; the word "piercing" was merely a figurative expression. The placement of the scenic pavilion here was merely a temporary measure. "Two peaks piercing the clouds stand majestically opposite each other at dawn, their verdant peaks floating in the misty haze. Try looking from Phoenix Mountain; the south is high, the sky near, the north is low, the smoke low." This is a poem by Wang Wei, a poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, titled "Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds," which describes the view of twin peaks piercing the clouds. In the Southern Song Dynasty, only from Phoenix Mountain could one truly appreciate its grandeur. However, Li Liufang of the Ming Dynasty advocated viewing this scene from the Wangshan Bridge, the third bridge on the Su Causeway. In his "Postscript to the West Lake Travel Map - Two Peaks Clearing from the Mist," he wrote: "From the Dragon King Hall at the Third Bridge, one can see the mountains west of the lake, their beauty fully revealed. The misty forests, layered with wisps of smoke, are depicted in varying degrees of detail, displaying a myriad of forms in an instant. Only the masterful brushstrokes of Dong Yuan and Ju Ran could capture its spirit." After the Qing Dynasty, the pagoda on the summit of Shuangfeng (Twin Peaks) disappeared, and the viewing spot shifted to the lake. Although a scenic pavilion was built near Hongchun Bridge, visitors only saw lush trees; the twin peaks were nowhere to be found. It was better to take a boat on the lake, where one could still point to the peaks in the clouds and yearn for the vast and lofty view from their summit. Hence, Chen Can's poem "Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds" says: "I used to travel back and forth between the north and south peaks, my straw sandals traversing the two mountains. But lately, I've been burdened by official duties, and three times I've passed West Lake without seeing the mountains."
Quyuan Fenghe (Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan Garden). This scenic spot is located at Jinsha Port in the northwest of Su Causeway. During the Song Dynasty, it was a brewing workshop, where many lotus flowers were planted. Their red petals and green leaves were captivating, and the fragrance of lotus blossoms filled the air. Now, it has been expanded hundreds of times, with elegant and rustic pavilions for appreciating lotus flowers, and a resort nestled within a dense forest. Quyuan Fenghe, themed around summer lotus viewing, ranks second among the Ten Scenes of West Lake, following Su Causeway in Spring Dawn. Originally, Quyuan was a brewing workshop established by the Southern Song Dynasty court, located near Hongchun Bridge on Lingyin Road, bordering the then-existing shore of West Lake. Lotus flowers were cultivated near the shore, and every summer, a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of lotus and wine, intoxicating even without drinking. The Southern Song poet Wang Wei praised it in a poem: "Those seeking respite from the summer heat return from Lengquan, the evening clouds at the wharf are brocade. I love the fragrance that follows me far away, only after crossing the high bridge do I buy a boat." Later, Quyuan gradually declined and fell into ruin. After Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty inscribed the Ten Scenes of West Lake, he built the Quyuan Fenghe (Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan Garden) scenic stele pavilion near the Rainbow Bridge on the Su Causeway. What remains is merely a small courtyard with a small patch of lotus flowers on the lake in front. The most captivating aspect of Quyuan Fenghe remains its summer lotus viewing. The park cultivates hundreds of varieties of lotus in its ponds, with the Fenghe scenic area being particularly enchanting. Here, the water surface is dominated by red lotus, white lotus, double-petaled lotus, speckled lotus, and twin lotus, among other famous varieties. The lotus leaves are lush, and the buds are enchanting. Various uniquely shaped bridges span the water, allowing visitors to walk as if amidst lotus blossoms, their reflections shimmering in the water, a scene of mutual affection. Yingxun Pavilion is a perfect vantage point for visitors to enjoy the scenery from a high vantage point. From the pavilion, one can see the beautiful landscape of "endless green leaves reaching to the sky, lotus blossoms reflecting the sun in a uniquely vibrant red." A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of lotus, refreshing the mind and dispelling worries. At Yingxun Pavilion, there is a lotus culture exhibition hall, showcasing the noble character of the lotus, which rises from the mud unsullied, and various artistic works that embody people's values, aesthetic views, and moral pursuits. The Yuehu Scenic Area preserves a courtyard with a stele inscribed with "Quyuan Fenghe" (Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan Garden) by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty; that stele is one of only two remaining original stele commemorating the Ten Scenes of West Lake during the Kangxi era. The Zhusuyuan Scenic Area, only recently opened, was originally one of the famous gardens of West Lake in the early Qing Dynasty, featuring bamboo, rocks, pavilions, winding streams, and a serene and elegant atmosphere.
Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor. Flower Harbor Park is located west of the southern section of Su Causeway, on a peninsula between Xili Lake and Xiaonan Lake. During the Southern Song Dynasty, the eunuch Yun Sheng built a private garden at the foot of Huajia Mountain, not far from here. The garden was lush with flowers and trees, and water was channeled into the pond to raise colorful fish for viewing and enjoyment. It gradually became a popular place for tourists and was called Lu Garden. It was also named Flower Harbor because of its proximity to Huajia Mountain.
When court painters created the series of ten paintings depicting the West Lake, they included this scene. In 1699, the 38th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, Emperor Xuan Ye visited West Lake and, as was customary, inscribed the name "Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor" on a stone stele erected beside the fishpond. Later, when Emperor Qianlong toured the south of the Yangtze River and visited West Lake, he inscribed a poem on the back of the stele, which included the lines: "Flower Harbor flows beneath Flower Family Mountain, flowers adorn fish bodies, fish nibble at the flowers." It is located at the southern end of the Su Causeway. In ancient times, a stream flowed from Flower Family Mountain through this area and into the lake. During the Southern Song Dynasty, the garden was planted with flowers and raised fish, creating a picturesque scene. Painters named it "Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor," and it has now expanded into a 20-hectare park, where goldfish and peonies bloom in abundance.
Evening Bell at Nanping Hill. The Evening Bell at Nanping Hill is perhaps the earliest of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. Zhang Zeduan, a renowned painter of the late Northern Song Dynasty, painted a picture titled "Evening Bell at Nanping Hill." Although this painting is far less famous than his "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," it is recorded in the Ming Dynasty book "Tianshui Bingshan Lu." Nanping Hill stretches along the south bank of West Lake, its height less than a hundred meters, yet its length exceeding a thousand meters. The hill is covered with strangely shaped rocks and lush green trees. On clear days, the verdant hillsides, set against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, are a feast for the eyes. On rainy or foggy days, the clouds and mist shroud the hill, making it seem as if the mountains are dancing, ethereal and otherworldly. In the first year of the Xianxian era of the Later Zhou Dynasty (954), Qian Hongshu, the ruler of the Wuyue Kingdom, built the Huiri Yongming Temple at the foot of Nanping Hill. Later, it became Jingci Temple, one of the two major Buddhist centers of West Lake, standing alongside Lingyin Temple to the north and south. Xingjiao Temple, another famous Buddhist temple at the foot of Nanping Mountain, was first built in the fifth year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song Dynasty (972). It was once the main base of the Tiantai School of Buddhism. Jingci Temple, Xingjiao Temple, and nearby small and medium-sized temples formed another Buddhist temple cluster on the lake after Lingyin Temple and Tianzhu Temple. With morning bells and evening drums, burning of incense and chanting of Buddhist mantras, and the glow of incense and candlelight, Nanping Mountain gained the nickname "Buddhist Mountain." The charm of the evening bell of Nanping Mountain naturally took shape. The mountains around Nanping Mountain are composed of limestone, with many cavities in the mountain body. In addition, the mountain peaks and rock walls stand like a barrier. Whenever the evening bell of the Buddhist temple is rung, the frequency of the bell's sound travels up the mountain. The rocks and caves are forced to accelerate the vibration of the sound waves, and the amplitude increases sharply, forming resonance. The rocks and caves then produce a sound box effect, which enhances the resonance. At the same time, the sound of the bell also flies to the sky above West Lake at the same frequency, reaching the other side of West Lake. When it meets the Geling Ridge, which is composed of igneous rocks on the opposite bank, the echo reverberates. Especially when the weather is symphonic, the resonance is powerful, the sound melodious and lingering. After the Northern Song Dynasty, Jingci Temple and Xingjiao Temple experienced periods of prosperity and decline, and over time, the fame and splendor of the Nanping Evening Bell belonged exclusively to Jingci Temple. A magnificently decorated bell tower was built at Jingci Temple, gradually becoming the most captivating attraction of this ancient temple. The Jingci Temple bell tower has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and the bell itself was also recast. The most significant casting took place in the eleventh year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, when Zen Master Xinchi Yijian raised over 20,000 jin of copper to cast a giant bell, the sound of which resonated far and wide. Another instance was in 1986, when a new bronze bell was cast, three meters high, 2.3 meters in diameter, and weighing over ten tons. The bell's interior and exterior are engraved with seven volumes of the Lotus Sutra and inscriptions totaling 67,000 characters. It uses a [Pulao carved dragon] as the bell knob and an eight-petaled lotus as the bell lip, with a striking point cast on each petal, six of which are inscribed with Sanskrit characters. Seven niches, including those for Namo Vipassi Buddha and Namo Shakyamuni Buddha, stand on the ridge of the bell. In recent years, every New Year's Eve, people from all walks of life in Hangzhou, foreign guests, overseas Chinese, and tourists gather inside and outside the bell tower of Jingci Temple to hold a New Year's bell-ringing activity to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. When the 108th bell rings, it marks the beginning of a new year. This activity, symbolizing peace, joy, stability, and unity, has infused the ancient Nanping Evening Bell with new meaning and charm. The Nanping Evening Bell refers to the bell and its sound at Jingci Temple at the foot of Nanping Mountain. Jingci Temple originally had a large bell, whose evening bell sounded, echoing amidst the twilight mist and the green peaks of Yuping Mountain, echoing the Leifeng Pagoda opposite, forming a charming evening scene of West Lake.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Island, also known as Xiaoyingzhou, together with Huxin Pavilion and Ruangong Mound, are called the Three Islands of the West Lake. The entire island, including the water surface, covers an area of about seven hectares. A winding bridge connects the north and south sides, while earthen dikes connect the east and west sides, forming a cross shape that divides the water surface on the island into four parts. A circular dike surrounds the water surface. From an aerial view, the island's landmass resembles a large "田" (field) character, showcasing the unique feature of an island within a lake and a lake within an island, making it a distinctive feature among the Ten Scenes of West Lake and a classic example of waterside gardens in southern my country. The predecessor of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon Island was Shuifan Baoning Temple. The Northern Song Dynasty poet Qin Guan wrote in his poem "Sending a Monk Back to Baoning Temple": "The West Lake is surrounded by dikes, pavilions and towers, some bright, some dim, like a reclining cloak. Baoning is in the best place, where the water reflects endlessly. No carriages or horses come, only the moon reflected in the water." This shows that moon viewing on the island has a long history. In 1607, during the 35th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, Nie Xintang, the magistrate of Qiantang County, used mud from the lake to build dikes around the island, initially creating a lake within a lake, which served as a place for releasing animals. Later, people built three bottle-shaped stone pagodas in the lake south of the island, called "Three Pools." In the early Qing Dynasty, the island was further developed, with the construction of winding bridges, halls, and pavilions. Hibiscus trees were planted around the inner lake. During the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, retired general Peng Yulin built a villa here, and Xiaoyingzhou began to take shape. The Three Pools Reflecting the Moon landscape is rich in layers, with varied spaces and ingenious architectural layout. After disembarking from the north pier of the island, passing two buildings including the Ancestral Hall, one enters the Nine-Bend Flat Bridge. On the bridge are four pavilions of different shapes: the Kaiwang Pavilion, the Tingtingting Pavilion, the Kangxi Imperial Stele Pavilion, and the Woxinxiangyin Pavilion. Visitors can stroll, stop, rest, look around, chat, take photos, linger, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. To the east of the Nine-Bend Bridge, across the water, stands a short white wall. The two ends of the wall are not connected, resembling a screen. However, four exquisitely decorated latticed windows open into the whitewashed wall, creating a sense of separation yet connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Outside, tourists bustle about, while inside, it is serene and elegant—a stark contrast within a small space. Xiaoyingzhou, the largest of the three islands in West Lake, is an island within a lake, with pavilions scattered throughout, resembling a fairyland. The island and the three small stone pagodas to its south were all created during the ancient dredging of the lake. On Mid-Autumn Festival night, lighting lanterns inside the pagodas creates a wondrous scene with the moon's reflection.
Broken Bridge in Lingering Snow. Broken Bridge, now located at the eastern end of Bai Causeway, is the most famous of all the bridges, large and small, in West Lake, both ancient and modern. It is said that Broken Bridge was built as early as the Tang Dynasty, and the term "Broken Bridge" appears in the poem "Inscribed at Gushan Temple in Hangzhou" by Zhang Hu. The Ming Dynasty scholar Wang Keyu, in his "Miscellaneous Talks on West Lake," aptly describes the beauty of West Lake: "The beauty of West Lake is such that a sunny lake is not as good as a rainy lake, a rainy lake is not as good as a moonlit lake, and a moonlit lake is not as good as a snowy lake… How many people in this world can truly appreciate the wonders of nature!" Located in Jiangnan, Hangzhou experiences a short snow season each year, and heavy snowfalls are rare. Once the lake is covered in snow, it creates a breathtaking scene unlike any other. Broken Bridge marks the eastern starting point of Bai Causeway, named so because Gushan Road ends there. The story of the White Snake takes place here. In the past, the bridge had steps and a pavilion in the center. After the snow cleared in winter, the bridge appeared to be broken into pieces, or as if it had been separated from the embankment, creating a unique landscape.
Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset. Leifeng Pagoda, also known as Leifeng Mountain, is a branch of Nanping Mountain. It rises 48 meters above sea level and is composed of permafrost limestone. Named after Lei Jiu, a local resident, it is surrounded by other mountains and serves as the facing mountain of Jingci Temple. The mountain is famous for the Huangfei Pagoda built by King Qian Hongchu of Wuyue for his concubine Huang, and for its connection to the West Lake folktale "The Legend of the White Snake." It is the location of "Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset," one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. Historical sites include the ruins of Leifeng Pagoda, Qingyun Rock, and the ruins of Baiyun Nunnery.
Located on Leifeng Pagoda outside the West Gate of Hangzhou, the capital of the Wuyue Kingdom, the pagoda was originally called the West Gate Brick Pagoda, and was commonly known as Leifeng Pagoda. It was also formerly known as the Huangfei Pagoda or the Princess Pagoda. It is a brick-and-wood pavilion-style pagoda, octagonal and seven stories high. The pagoda was built by Huang, the wife of King Qian Chu of Wuyue, to house Buddhist hair and scriptures. Construction began before the fifth year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song Dynasty (972 AD) and was completed in the second year of the Taiping Xingguo era (977 AD). The pagoda has a brick and stone core, with a wooden eaves and veranda, double eaves and flying beams, and spacious windows. The eight sides of the inner walls are inlaid with stone carvings of the Avatamsaka Sutra. Legend has it that 16 gilded bronze Arhats were once enshrined at the base of the pagoda. It was damaged by war during the Xuanhe era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1119-1125), and was rebuilt as an octagonal, five-story pagoda during the Southern Song Dynasty. During the Yuan Dynasty, Leifeng Pagoda was still in its prime. During the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566), the wooden eaves and corridors of the pagoda were destroyed in war, leaving only the core of the pagoda. The ochre-colored brick pagoda, weathered and aged, possesses a unique charm. It is compared to the Baochu Pagoda, which stands gracefully on Baoshi Mountain across West Lake, with the saying, "Baochu is like a beautiful woman, Leifeng Pagoda is like an old monk." During the Qing Dynasty, the wooden outer corridors of the pagoda were not restored.
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The pagoda remains a remnant of ochre-colored bricks. Emperor Kangxi inscribed the plaque "Leifeng Xizhao" during his southern tour. Leifeng Pagoda's fame is closely linked to the widely circulated Chinese folktale "The Legend of the White Snake," in which the heroine, the White Snake, transforms into Bai Suzhen and is imprisoned in the pagoda by the monk Fahai. In the late Qing Dynasty, due to years of neglect and the superstitious belief that the bricks could ward off evil and bring sons, the pagoda was increasingly targeted for looting, weakening its foundation. During the late Qing and early Republican periods, authorities built a wall to protect the pagoda, but the looting continued unabated. On September 25, 1924 (August 27 in the lunar calendar), at 1:40 PM, the pagoda finally collapsed due to excessive looting and the massive tremors caused by pile driving for construction in the nearby Wangzhuang village. The city of Hangzhou was thronged to witness the collapse, with the streets deserted. The true form of precious artifacts, including the "Sarvatathāgata-hṛdaya-guhya-dhātu-raṇī-sūtra," was revealed. Since then, the Ten Scenes of West Lake have been incomplete for many years due to the disappearance of Leifeng Pagoda. Built during the Wu-Yue Kingdom period on Leifeng Hill on the south bank of West Lake, the pagoda stood opposite Baoshu Pagoda to the north, the two pagodas reflected in the lake. At sunset, their shadows stretched across the sky, resplendent in gold. It was also associated with the legend of the White Snake. The pagoda collapsed in 1924. When Leifeng Pagoda collapsed, the famous writer Lu Xun published a famous article—"On the Collapse of Leifeng Pagoda."
Willow Waves and Orioles Singing. Willow Waves and Orioles Singing Park is located on the southeastern shore of West Lake, covering approximately 21 hectares. Its predecessor was the Juying Garden, the imperial garden of the Southern Song Dynasty. Its boundaries stretched from outside Qingbo Gate in the old city of Hangzhou in the south to Yongjin Gate in the north, bordered by the city wall to the east and the West Lake to the west, and also included several islets near the shore, such as Willow Isle and the site of Shuixin Temple (the predecessor of Xiaoying Isle). In the late Song and early Yuan dynasties, Juying Garden became "Scattered Garden." Its southern area was chosen as a burial ground by Hui Muslims who migrated to Hangzhou with the Mongol cavalry; the central section became a desolate, silted-up swamp; and the once magnificent temples in the northern section, such as Lingzhi Temple and Xianying Temple, perished along with the garden. By the mid-Ming Dynasty, only the Willow Waves and Orioles Singing scenic spot remained of the once grand Willow Waves and Orioles Singing, with the Willow Waves Bridge and Huaguang Pavilion remaining.
Dilapidated and weathered. In the early Qing Dynasty, it was a scene of utter desolation. The first half of the poem "A Youthful Journey" by the old man Zishan (a poet from Qiantang) specifically describes the loss of its former glory: "Snakes coil around the dry well, foxes scurry through the broken tomb, the imperial road is completely overgrown. Swallows fly in, peach blossoms are silent, witnessing countless vicissitudes." By 1949, only a scenic name stele, a stone archway, a stone pavilion, and an old sand-covered tree remained at Liulang Wenying, along with a section of the old buildings of Biaozhong Temple (Qianwang Temple) and two ponds in front of the temple. Nearby residents simply called the area "Graveyard Hill." Today, after nearly forty years of continuous development and construction, Liulang Wenying has transformed from an imperial garden enjoyed by emperors into a large park for ordinary people. It still uses the verdant willows and melodious warbling of orioles as the park's landscape theme, planting weeping willows, lion willows, drunken willows, and washing sand willows along the kilometer-long embankment and main roads of the park. In the central main scenic area of the park, the Oriole-Listening Pavilion was built, and not far from it, a giant net cage called "Bird Paradise" was placed, creating an atmosphere of springtime in March, with willow branches swaying and orioles singing sweetly. To the east of the Oriole-Listening Pavilion, the Friendship Garden scenic area, mainly composed of lawns and dense woodlands, was formed, with a batch of Japanese cherry blossoms introduced. On the north side of the lawn, a stone platform was paved, where the "Monument to the Sino-Japanese War of No More War" stands. To the west of the Oriole-Listening Pavilion is a large lawn created by filling in the swamps during the reconstruction of Willow Waves Listening to Orioles, the grass stretching to the distant blue waves and green hills of West Lake. To the north of the large lawn is the stele of the Willow Waves Listening to Orioles Pavilion, inscribed by Emperor Kangxi, which was relocated here; to the south, a grove of tall trees was planted, forming a vivid picture with layers and changing angles with the lawn, willow banks, and lake and mountain scenery. The former Qianwang Temple in the north has been transformed into a courtyard scenic area in the style of a private garden in southern China, retaining its original name, "Jujing Garden." Within the garden are pavilions, terraces, rockeries, springs, bridges, flowing water, low walls, latticed windows, and exotic flowers and plants, each in its own place, creating a picturesque scene. The winding paths throughout the garden lead to secluded spots, each a unique world unto itself. This park is located on the southeast bank of West Lake and was originally an imperial garden of the Southern Song Dynasty. Weeping willows line the lake, their branches like curtains; in the spring breeze, they sway, creating ripples on the water, and the deep shade echoes with the chirping of orioles. What was originally a small area has been expanded to seventeen hectares, comprising four sections including Wenying (Listening to Orioles) and Jujing.
Wushan Tianfeng, one of the "Ten New Scenes of West Lake," is located in the southeast of West Lake. It comprises a series of small hills including Baoyue, Emei, Qianshan, Ziyang, Qibao, and Yunju, extending into the city, none exceeding 100 meters in height. In the past, fishermen dried their nets here after fishing, hence the name "Drying Net Hill." During the Spring and Autumn Period, it was called Wushan. The mountain also had a temple dedicated to Wu Zixu, thus giving it the name Xushan or Wushan. During the Tang Dynasty, it was often called Qingshan. Because of the former City God Temple, it was commonly known as City God Hill. The couplet in front of the "Jianghu Huiguan Pavilion" at the summit uses the inscription by Xu Wenchang of the Ming Dynasty: "Eight hundred li of lakes and mountains, what year was this painting? Ten thousand households' smoke rises, all gathered here in this pavilion," highlighting the imagery of "Wushan Tianfeng." Among the hills here, Yunju Mountain is the highest, and the "Twelve Peaks of Wushan" on Ziyang Mountain, also known as the "Twelve Zodiac Stones," is the most unique. It is a place where Wu-Yue and Southern Song cultures converge. Wushan was historically known for its "Ten Scenic Spots" and numerous cliff carvings, including the inscription "First Mountain" by the Song Dynasty poet Mi Fu. Today, the mountain boasts the Jimu Pavilion and Mingxiang Tower. It is planted with ginkgo, maple, golden pine, and camphor trees, alongside the "Song Dynasty Camphor Tree," creating a harmonious blend of old and new, giving it a fresh and modern appearance. Just as Su Dongpo described, "Wushan is inherently beautiful, each turn revealing its unique charm." The scenic area is rich in ancient trees and clear springs, strangely shaped rocks, temple ruins, folk customs, and historical sites. In addition, Wushan hosts an annual Wushan Temple Fair.
While visiting Wushan Tianfeng, the tour guide led Daqi's family to stroll along Hefang Street, Hangzhou's pedestrian street. At the wives' insistence, Daqi led everyone on a shopping spree on Hefang Street. The ladies mostly bought small trinkets and such, which didn't actually cost much. Afterwards, they indulged in a feast of snacks and treats at the food stalls on Hefang Street. Qiwen and Daqi shared a roasted scorpion, and Qiwen said to Daqi, "Master, this place is so much fun!" Daqi laughed, "Food and shopping—you women love it!" Qiwen smiled and nodded repeatedly…
Daqi and his family stayed at the "Hangzhou Grand Hotel" located in Wulin Square, Hangzhou. During the day, he took his mother and wives sightseeing, and every night he would spend the night in a different wife's room, living a very happy life!
They spent three days sightseeing in Hangzhou. One night, Daqi indulged in passionate lovemaking on the soft body of the young and beautiful Xiaoman. The beautiful young woman Jiaran knelt beside them, constantly instructing her daughter on how to better cooperate with the man's demands and actions. Xiaoman gently moved her body, lightly tossing her hair, her body covered in fragrant sweat, constantly calling Daqi "Master"... Daqi thrust his body forward, while Jiaran pushed him from behind. While continuing his actions, Daqi asked Xiaoman, "Xiaoman, answer me, how's your homework going these past few days?" Xiaoman replied in a trembling voice, "Master, I've been playing for so long, and I've been studying every night, unless you're staying in my room overnight." Daqi asked, "Why don't you study when I'm in your room?" Xiaoman continued to answer while actively seeking pleasure, "Master, serving you is what I want to do most, and schoolwork comes second. Actually, I haven't studied for a day or two, so please don't blame me. Serving you is what makes me happiest." Suddenly, Daqi raised his hand and lightly slapped Xiaoman's round, shapely buttocks, the sound of "slap, slap, slap" echoing throughout the room. Before Xiaoman and Jiaran could speak, Daqi spoke up, curious as to why he was slapping Xiaoman. Daqi said, "Xiaoman, listen to me carefully. After returning to Rongzhou, you must study hard. Otherwise, I won't forgive you!" With that, Daqi slapped Xiaoman's shapely bottom hard, and the girl immediately screamed. Daqi said, "Did you hear me?" The girl turned around and nodded repeatedly. Daqi said, "Speak it out loud, so I can hear you." Xiaoman looked at Daqi with adoration and whispered, "Master, Xiaoman understands, Xiaoman will definitely do as you say! Please rest assured, Master!" Daqi smiled slightly and said, "This is the kind of girl I like, this is what my youngest wife would say!" Xiaoman smiled charmingly and said, "Thank you for liking me, Master!" After hearing this, Daqi turned to Jiaran and said, "It's your turn, strike the same pose as Xiaoman." Jiaran immediately smiled and said, "Yes, Master!" After saying this, the beautiful young woman Jiaran immediately struck the same pose as Xiaoman. Daqi smiled and pulled his body away from Xiaoman's body, instead pressing himself against Jiaran…
Chapter 224 A City of Tragedy
As their Hangzhou trip was drawing to a close, Daqi put his arm around Jiaran and Xiaoman and said, "I feel it's a bit of a shame we didn't visit one more city." Jiaran asked, "Which city, my dear? We visited four cities. Beijing is our great capital; Shanghai is the economic center of the country; and Suzhou and Hangzhou are China's 'paradise on earth.' I think these four cities were cleverly arranged. You must have planned the itinerary yourself, right?" Daqi nodded and said, "It wasn't easy to bring everyone on this trip. We all had a great time and broadened our horizons. But I think we should still visit Nanjing." Jiaran asked, "Why, my dear?" Daqi said, "Nanjing was the capital of the Nanjing Nationalist Government, the 'ancient capital of six dynasties' in Chinese history, and the political center of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The reason I really want to visit Nanjing is because I think it's the city with the most tragic history in China." Jiaran said, "My dear, tell me, how tragic?" Daqi nodded and said, "'Ancient capital of six dynasties'—Eastern Wu, Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen—each dynasty was short-lived." The Ming Dynasty had only one emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, who reigned for one generation before Zhu Yunwen was overthrown by Zhu Yuanzhang's son, Zhu Di, who later moved the capital to Beijing. The Taiping Rebellion was short-lived; the Nanjing Nationalist Government was also short-lived. That's one aspect. On the other hand, Li Yu of the Southern Tang Dynasty was a famous tragic figure—"How much sorrow can one have? It's like a river of spring water flowing eastward." The most tragic event was the Nanjing Massacre perpetrated by the Japanese! Jia Ran laughed, "I don't know as much history as you, but I'm a fatalist. Hearing you say that, I also feel..." Nanjing is a tragic city. My dear, we're here to have fun, so let's not go to places that make us unhappy. Looking at you like this, do you think you'll be in a good mood if we really go to Nanjing?” Daqi smiled slightly and said, “But I want to see it. As Chinese people, we especially cannot forget the Nanjing Massacre. Whether we are politicians or not, as basic citizens, we cannot forget it. Sister, I'll go discuss going to Nanjing with Qiwen. Anyway, Nanjing is very close to Hangzhou.” After saying goodbye to Jia Ran and Xiaoman, Daqi went to Qiwen's room.
As soon as he entered Qiwen's room, his mother-in-law happily said, "Son-in-law, what brings you here today?" She hugged Daqi as she spoke. Daqi gently kissed her and said, "I need to discuss something with Wen'er." The fairy said, "Master, please tell me, what is it?" Daqi directly stated his desire to go to Nanjing again. Qiwen said, "Master, if you want to go, then go. We have more money than we could spend even if we went again. Going to Nanjing is a small matter. We haven't been here for nearly a month as planned, so why not go to Nanjing again? I also want to visit this beautiful 'ancient capital of six dynasties.'" Daqi said, "Let's call everyone over for a meeting and discuss it." Qiwen nodded and made a phone call to everyone. Soon, Daqi and seventeen beauties gathered in Qiwen's room, which was clearly quite crowded. Daqi's mother didn't come to the meeting; she was too lazy to concern herself with her son's affairs and simply followed him around. Qiwen said to everyone, "Dear sisters, did you have fun?" Everyone said they did. Xiao Li said, "We had so much fun, and we bought so much stuff." Mu Ping said, "I wish we could play a few more days, but we all have to go back to Rongzhou tomorrow, which is a bit of a pity!" Qian Ru said, "Sister Wen, you must have something to tell us today. Tell us quickly, what is it?" Qi Wen said directly, "Sisters, our master wants to go to Nanjing again. Do you have any objections? Master said we've already been to four cities, and if we're tired, we won't go, but if we're not tired, we'll go. Please tell us your honest thoughts." Mei Ting said, "It is a bit tiring, but if Master wants to go, at least I'm willing to go with him." Ye Huan and Zheng Jie said, "Wherever Master goes, we'll go. We'll always follow Master." Qian Ru and Chun Xiao said to Da Qi, "Master, we rarely get to go out and have fun, so why don't we all go to Nanjing together?" Yu Lou, Su Qin, and Ping Jia smiled slightly at Da Qi, and he understood that they also agreed to go. Finally, Daqi said, "Okay, let's go to Nanjing tomorrow. This is the last stop on our trip. After Nanjing, we'll go back to Rongzhou. It's settled then." Everyone kissed Daqi goodbye and went to their rooms to sleep. Daqi stayed overnight in Fairy's room. He called Ms. Yu from the travel agency and said they wanted to visit one more city.
Miss Yu readily agreed, delighted that she could bring in another client for the travel agency. She immediately arranged a luxury bus to Nanjing for Daqi and his companions. Daqi happily cuddled the beautiful Qiwen and his flirtatious mother-in-law as they fell asleep, naturally sleeping naked together until dawn.
The next morning, after breakfast, Daqi and his family boarded a luxury tour bus and departed from Hangzhou for Nanjing. Upon arrival, Ms. Yu and a local guide led the family on a tour of this tragic city. On the way to Nanjing, Ms. Yu had asked Daqi, "Mr. Tong, which places in Nanjing do you want to visit? I know you have your own preferences and certainly won't accept the itinerary recommended by our travel agency." Since Daqi and Qiwen had already discussed it, Xianzi spoke on Daqi's behalf, saying, "Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Xuanwu Lake Park, Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, Nanjing Presidential Palace, and the Qinhuai River." Ms. Yu nodded and smiled, "Okay, we'll arrange it for you."
It took Daqi's family several days by boat to visit all the attractions in Nanjing.
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, a great modern Chinese statesman and pioneer of the democratic revolution. It is located on the southern slope of Xiaomaoshan, the eastern peak of Zhongshan Mountain, in the eastern suburbs of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is adjacent to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum to the west and Linggu Temple to the east. Built against the mountain, the complex rises gradually from south to north along a central axis, creating a magnificent and imposing structure. Sun Yat-sen passed away in Beijing on March 12, 1925. In accordance with his wish to be buried on Zhongshan Mountain, his coffin was temporarily placed in the Biyun Temple in Xiangshan, Beijing, and it was decided to build his mausoleum on Zhongshan Mountain in Nanjing. Construction began in the spring of 1926 and was completed in the summer of 1929. The Nanjing Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum faces south and covers an area of over 80,000 square meters. The memorial hall is a palace-style building with three arched gates, above which is inscribed the words "Nationalism, Democracy, People's Livelihood." Inside the memorial hall stands a marble seated statue of Sun Yat-sen, and the walls are inscribed with the full text of his handwritten "Outline of National Reconstruction." The main buildings of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum include: a memorial archway, a tomb path, a mausoleum gate, a stele pavilion, a memorial hall, and a burial chamber. Viewed from above, the mausoleum resembles a "Liberty Bell" lying on a green velvet carpet. At the time, the preparatory office for Sun Yat-sen's funeral widely solicited mausoleum design proposals. The "Liberty Bell" design by architect Lü Yanzhi won first prize. Lü Yanzhi was also appointed as the chief architect of the mausoleum. This architectural complex achieved excellent results in its form, color scheme, material expression, and detail treatment, with harmonious colors that further enhanced the solemn atmosphere. At the entrance to the mausoleum stands a tall granite archway, inscribed with the two golden characters "Universal Love" (博爱) in Sun Yat-sen's handwriting. Archways, in their function, primarily serve to...
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The text praises and glorifies Sun Yat-sen. The word "universal love" perfectly captures his broad-mindedness and lofty ideals. Behind the stone archway is a 375-meter-long and 40-meter-wide tomb passage. Ahead lies the mausoleum gate, topped with blue glazed tiles, above which are the four large characters "天下为公" (The world belongs to all) in Sun Yat-sen's handwriting. The use of blue glazed tiles here has a specific meaning; blue symbolizes the heavens, and the blue glazed tiles represent the idea of "the world belongs to all," thus demonstrating Sun Yat-sen's broad-mindedness in serving the country and its people.
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is located at the foot of Dulongfu Wanzhu Peak on the southern slope of Zijin Mountain (Zhongshan Mountain) in northeastern Nanjing. It is the mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and his empress, Empress Ma. Construction of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum began in 1381 (the 14th year of the Hongwu reign). Empress Ma passed away the following year and was buried in this mausoleum. Because Empress Ma was posthumously honored as "Xiaoci" (孝慈), the mausoleum was named "Xiaoling" (孝陵). In 1398 (the 31st year of the Hongwu reign), Zhu Yuanzhang died, and the underground palace was opened for burial with Empress Ma. The "Stele of Divine Merit and Sacred Virtue of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum" was completed in 1413 (the 11th year of the Yongle reign), marking the completion of the entire Xiaoling Mausoleum, a project that took over 30 years. This Ming Dynasty imperial mausoleum, with a history of over 600 years, is renowned for its illustrious occupant, grand scale, unique design, and beautiful setting against Zhongshan Mountain. Despite the vicissitudes of over 600 years, many of the wooden structures of the buildings no longer exist, but the layout of the mausoleum retains its original grandeur, and the underground palace remains intact. The main buildings and stone carvings within the mausoleum area, including the Fangcheng (square city), Minglou (Ming Tower), Baocheng (treasure city), and Baoding (treasure mound), as well as the Xiamafang (dismounting pavilion), Dajinmen (Great Golden Gate), Shengong Shengde Stele, and Shendao stone carvings, are all architectural remains from the Ming Dynasty, preserving the authenticity of the original mausoleum architecture and the integrity of its spatial layout. In particular, the "front court, rear palace" structure and the three-courtyard layout of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum reflect the ritual system, but highlight imperial power and politics. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is one of the largest existing ancient imperial mausoleums. Its mausoleum system inherited the "building mausoleum against the mountain" system of imperial mausoleums from the Tang and Song dynasties and earlier, and also created the basic "front square, rear round" layout of mausoleum architecture by changing the square mound to a round mound. The construction regulations of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum standardized the architectural layout of more than 20 imperial mausoleums of the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years, holding a special position in the history of Chinese imperial mausoleum development. Therefore, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum can be considered the premier imperial mausoleum of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1961, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum was designated as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Relevant cultural departments and people from all walks of life in China are working hard to make it a member of the World Heritage List. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is situated in a beautiful environment, surrounded by rolling hills and winding waterways, where the cultural and natural landscapes blend seamlessly. The mausoleum is grand in scale and meticulously laid out. The Xiaoling Mausoleum complex extends 2.62 kilometers from the Xiamafang (Dismounting Pavilion) to the Baocheng (Treasure City), and the main mausoleum buildings were originally surrounded by a red wall with a circumference of 2.25 kilometers. The existing ruins can be divided into two main parts. The first part: the winding spirit path of the mausoleum. From the Xiamafang to the main gate of Xiaoling (Wenwu Fangmen), it includes the Xiamafang, the Shenlieshan Stele, the Dajinmen (Great Golden Gate), the Shengong Shengde Stele and its pavilion (commonly known as the Sifangcheng), the spirit path stone carvings, and the Imperial River Bridge. The Dismounting Archway and the Shenlieshan Stele: The Dismounting Archway is a two-bay stone archway, 4.94 meters wide and 7.85 meters high. The inscription on the archway reads "Officials of all departments must dismount," a notice that officials entering the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum must dismount and walk, as a sign of respect for the founding emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang. The Shenlieshan Stele, located 36 meters east of the Dismounting Archway, was erected in the tenth year of the Jiajing reign (1531). The front bears the inscription "Shennieshan" in shallow, double-line engraving. Originally, there was a pavilion for the stele, but it no longer exists; only the four corner stone column bases remain. The Shenlieshan Stele was erected when Zhongshan was renamed Shenlieshan in the tenth year of the Jiajing reign. 17 meters further east is a horizontal stele, the "Prohibition Stele," erected in the fourteenth year of the Chongzhen reign (1641). The inscription contains nine prohibitions against damaging the Xiaoling Mausoleum and against visiting the mausoleum. The Great Golden Gate, the Stele of Divine Merit and Virtue, and its Pavilion: The Great Golden Gate, located more than 750 meters northwest of the Xiamafang (Dismounting Pavilion), is the first main southern gate of the Xiaoling Mausoleum. Originally a double-eaved building with yellow glazed tiles, the existing structure consists of brick and stone walls with a stone Sumeru pedestal at the bottom. It measures 26.66 meters wide and 8.09 meters deep, with three arched doorways. The central doorway is 5.05 meters high, while the two side doorways are 4.25 meters high. The Stele of Divine Merit and Virtue, located 70 meters north of the Great Golden Gate, is a stele and pavilion erected by Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) in 1413 (the eleventh year of the Yongle reign) to praise Zhu Yuanzhang. The original pavilion was a square structure built of brick and stone. The roof has been completely destroyed, leaving only the four walls, each with a 5-meter-wide arched doorway, giving it the appearance of a castle, hence its popular name "Square City." The Sacred Way Stone Carvings: Approximately 100 meters northwest of the Sifang City, crossing the Imperial River, one enters the Sacred Way. The most distinctive feature of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum's Sacred Way lies in its perfect integration of architecture and terrain. Unlike the straight Sacred Ways of previous imperial mausoleums, it is entirely built according to the terrain, creating a winding and meandering layout. Furthermore, stone statues are placed at each section's junction to control the space, creating a solemn atmosphere. The statues are supported by intact Six Dynasties bricks, preventing them from sinking over 600 years. The Sacred Way extends from east to northwest, flanked by six types of stone beasts: lions, xiezhi (a mythical beast), camels, elephants, qilin (a mythical creature), and horses. There are two pairs of each type, totaling 12 pairs (24 pieces), with two kneeling and two standing figures of each type, lining the path in welcome. This section of the Sacred Way, now commonly known as the Stone Statue Road, is 615 meters long. At the end of the stone beasts, the Sacred Way turns due north to the Lingxing Gate, a distance of 250 meters. This section of the spirit path features stone pillars and stone figures. Two of the pillars are hexagonal prisms, 6.6 meters high, and carved with cloud and dragon patterns. While pillars are usually placed at the front of the spirit path, those at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum are placed in the middle, a unique feature of Zhu Yuanzhang's mausoleum. Behind the stone pillars are eight stone figures standing opposite each other, two pairs of military and two pairs of civil officials, each 3.18 meters high. The Lingxing Gate and the Imperial River Bridge: The spirit path ends at the Lingxing Gate 18 meters north. The gate itself no longer exists, only six stone pillar bases remain. Judging from the remains, the Lingxing Gate was likely a three-bay structure. Turning northeast 275 meters past the Lingxing Gate, one reaches the Imperial River Bridge, also known as the Jinshui Bridge. The Imperial River Bridge is a stone bridge, originally with five arches, but three remain. The bridge foundation and the stone components of the riverbanks are all original Ming Dynasty artifacts. Crossing the Imperial River Bridge and ascending a gentle slope to the north, one reaches the main buildings of the mausoleum. Part Two: The Main Buildings of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. From the main gate to the Chongqiu Hill, it includes the Wenwu Fangmen (the main gate), the Stele Hall, the Offering Hall, the Great Stone Bridge, the Square City, the Minglou (Ming Tower), and the Treasure Mound, all surrounded by a wall. The mausoleum buildings are arranged along a central axis, reflecting the style of traditional Chinese architecture. Wenwu Fangmen: The Wenwu Fangmen is the main gate of Xiaoling. Originally, it had five arched doorways—three large and two small—with the three central arched and the two on either side rectangular. The hip roof was covered with yellow glazed tiles. During the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, it was rebuilt into a single doorway with a Qing stone lintel inscribed with the three characters "Ming Xiaoling" in regular script. It was restored in 1999, returning the gate to its original Ming Dynasty appearance. Now it has five gates, with yellow tiles, vermilion doors, and red walls. Above the main gate hangs a rectangular lintel with the four gilded characters "Wenwu Fangmen" vertically inscribed. On the east side of the main gate stands a "Special Notice" stele, erected in the first year of the Xuantong reign (1909) of the Qing Dynasty, warning of precautions for protecting the Xiaoling Mausoleum. The Stele Hall: Originally the central gate in front of the Xiaoling Mausoleum's main hall, also known as the Xiaoling Gate, it originally had five archways, but these were later destroyed. The current Stele Hall was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. It is a three-bay, hip-roofed building with red walls and small tiles, with a door on the north and south sides. Inside the pavilion are five steles. The central stele is inscribed with four gilded characters: "治隆唐宋" (meaning "Rule Surpassing Tang and Song Dynasties"). This inscription was written by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty during his third southern tour to visit the mausoleum in 1699. This was because, in the early years of Kangxi's reign, the Han people were not compliant with Manchu rule. Against this historical backdrop, Kangxi knew that relying solely on oppressive policies was insufficient; he also needed to rely on the Han people. Therefore, during his six southern tours, Kangxi visited the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum five times. This stele was erected by Cao Xueqin's grandfather, Cao Yin, who was then the "Jiangning Textile Commissioner." To the left and right of the "Governance Surpassing Tang and Song Dynasties" stele are two steles inscribed with poems by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. To the east and west are two horizontal steles, respectively recording the visits of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong to the mausoleum. The main building of the Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Hall of Offerings, is located behind the stele hall. The original Xiaoling Hall has been destroyed, but a three-tiered Sumeru pedestal remains, 3.03 meters high, with 56 large column bases. Stone dragon heads adorn the four corners of the pedestal. There are three sets of steps at the front and back of the hall, and six large stone steps with relief carvings of clouds, dragons, and landscapes remain. The hall's base is 57.30 meters long and 26.6 meters wide, demonstrating the grandeur of the original structure. The original hall housed the spirit tablets of Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. The existing building is a three-room Hall of Offerings, rebuilt twice during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. The hall now houses the "Ming Xiaoling Historical Materials Exhibition Hall." About 100 meters behind the hall is the large stone bridge, also known as the Ascension Bridge. After crossing the large stone bridge, you reach the final part of the Xiaoling Mausoleum's above-ground structures: the Fangcheng (Square City), Minglou (Bright Tower), and Baoding (Treasure Mound). The Fangcheng is a massive building in front of the Baoding, constructed of large stone blocks. It measures 75.26 meters east to west, 30.94 meters north to south, 16.25 meters high at the front, and 8.13 meters high at the back, with a Sumeru pedestal at its base. In the center of the Fangcheng is an arched gate leading to a circular arched tunnel. Climbing 54 steps out of the tunnel, you are greeted by the south wall of the Baoding, constructed of 13 layers of stone blocks. The inscription "This mountain is the tomb of Emperor Taizu of Ming" is horizontally carved in the center, clearly added later. Following the paths on either side of the Fangcheng leads to the Minglou. The Minglou, located above the Fangcheng, was originally a double-eaved, yellow-tiled roof building, but the roof has long since been destroyed, leaving only the four brick walls. It measures 39.45 meters east to west and 18.47 meters north to south, with three arched gates on the south side and one arched gate on each of the other three sides. North of Fangcheng Minglou lies a hill about 400 meters in diameter, known as Baoding or Baocheng, the site of the imperial palace of Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. Baoding is roughly circular, originally named Dulongfu Wanzhufeng, and is surrounded by a brick wall. From 1998 to 1999, the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics and other relevant departments used advanced precision magnetic surveying to confirm that the underground palace of Zhu Yuanzhang's tomb lies beneath this hill, deeply buried, well-preserved, and never looted.
Xuanwu Lake Park. Located in the heart of Nanjing, at the foot of Zhongshan Mountain, within the national scenic area of Xuanwu Lake, one of the three famous lakes south of the Yangtze River, Xuanwu Lake Park is the largest urban park in the Jiangnan region. Surrounded by the majestic Ming City Wall, the beautiful Jiuhua Mountain, and the ancient Jiming Temple, it covers an area of 472 hectares, including 368 hectares of water and 104 hectares of land. It is a treasure trove of historical sites and cultural relics of the ancient capital of Nanjing, and the city's largest comprehensive cultural, recreational, and leisure park. Five green islands are distributed within Xuanwu Lake, forming five scenic areas. The first is Huanzhou (Circular Island), where the water ripples gently. Slender willows sway in the breeze, creating a scene resembling drifting clouds, hence the name "Huanzhou Misty Willows." Among them, the artificial mountains and waterfalls showcase the beauty of Jiangnan gardens, with the "Child Worshipping Guanyin" sculpture, composed of Taihu stones remnants of the Song Dynasty's "Flower and Stone Tribute," being particularly spectacular. The second is Yingzhou (Cherry Blossom Island), nestled within Huanzhou, an island surrounded by water on all sides. The island is covered with cherry blossoms, which bloom in early spring, creating a magnificent tapestry of flowers, earning it the name "Cherry Blossom Island, Sea of Flowers." The third is Lingzhou, bordering Zhongshan Mountain to the east, known for its ever-changing clouds and mist, hence the beautiful name "Lingzhou Mountain Mist." The fourth is Liangzhou, the earliest developed and most scenic of the five islands. Its annual chrysanthemum exhibition is traditional and spectacular, earning it the reputation of "Liangzhou Autumn Chrysanthemums." The fifth is Cuizhou, with its tranquil and unique scenery. A long dike lies across the water, surrounded by lush greenery. Ancient pines, cypresses, willows, and bamboo create the distinctive "Cuizhou Cloud Trees." The five islands of Xuanwu Lake are connected by bridges and dikes, adding to the area's charm. Xuanwu Lake Park boasts unique water and land transportation. On the water, there are speedboats, recreational boats, and luxury ferries; on land, there is a French-style miniature train, offering a comfortable ride and expansive views. Xuanwu Lake has a rhomboid-shaped shoreline, with a circumference of approximately 10 kilometers and an area of 437 hectares, of which about 368 hectares are water. Five islands divide the lake into four main sections, connected by bridges or causeways for easy exploration. The lake's depth does not exceed 2 meters. Fish are raised in the lake, and lotus flowers are cultivated. In summer and autumn, the water is a vibrant green, dotted with pink lotus blossoms, filling the air with fragrance and creating a captivating scene. Xuanwu Lake, formerly known as Sangbo, has a history of over 1,500 years. It was formed by weathering and erosion in a weak area caused by magma intrusion and fault fracture, receiving surface runoff from the northwest of Zhongshan Mountain. Historically, the lake was much larger than it is today. Xuanwu Lake covers nearly five li (approximately 2.5 kilometers) and is divided into five islands, all connected by causeways and bridges, forming a unified whole. Everywhere you look, there are mountains and water, each with its own unique character, creating a picturesque landscape year-round. Xuanwu Lake was historically known as "Five Continents Park." The layout of the park, representing the five continents of the world, seems to symbolize the bright future of unity among the people of the five continents, while also representing the magnanimity and hospitality of the people of Nanjing.
The Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders is located at No. 418 Jiangdongmen Street, Nanjing, China. The site is the site of the Jiangdongmen mass killing and mass burial ground of the victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. The Nanjing Municipal Government built the memorial hall in 1985 to commemorate the victims, and it was expanded in 1995. The memorial hall covers an area of 30,000 square meters, with a building area of 5,000 square meters. The building is constructed of gray-white marble, creating a magnificent and solemn atmosphere. It is a specialized historical exhibition hall that comprehensively displays the horrific Nanjing Massacre using historical materials, artifacts, architecture, sculptures, and film and television. The name of the memorial hall, "Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders," handwritten by Deng Xiaoping, is engraved on the left side of the main entrance. The exhibition is divided into three main parts: the plaza exhibition, the remains exhibition, and the historical materials exhibition. The memorial plaza comprises a cross-shaped monument inscribed with the date of the Nanjing Massacre, an abstract sculpture of "300,000 Fallen," a large-scale sculpture group titled "The Disaster of the Ancient City," and doves of peace. The memorial plaza features a memorial wall inscribed with the museum's name, lush pine and cypress trees, and a wall inscribed with "300,000 Victims" in Chinese, English, and Japanese. The cemetery plaza features pebbles, withered trees, three large gray stone reliefs on the ruins along the courtyard walls, and 17 small stone tablets lining the paths, partially recording the main sites and historical facts of the Nanjing Massacre. This is a microcosm and concentrated display of memorials erected for victims of mass killings throughout the city, along with a large stone sculpture of a mother, a wall listing the victims, a monument of atonement, green trees, lawns, and many other features, creating a poignant scene of a memorial cemetery themed around life and death, sorrow and anger. The skeletal remains exhibition includes a coffin-shaped room displaying the remains of some victims excavated from the Jiangdongmen "mass grave" where the memorial hall is located when it was established in 1985. After April 1998, 208 more sets of remains (from the topsoil) were excavated from the Jiangdongmen "mass grave." These remains, after rigorous examination by forensic, medical, archaeological, and historical scholars, were confirmed as those of victims of the Nanjing Massacre, serving as irrefutable evidence of the atrocities committed by the invading Japanese army. The semi-underground historical materials exhibition hall, shaped like a tomb, displays over 1,000 precious historical photographs, artifacts, charts, and witness documents, accompanied by explanations in Chinese, English, and Japanese. The museum employs a variety of display methods, including light boxes, sand tables, clay sculptures, oil paintings, restored landscapes, multimedia touch screens, television, and films (the nearly 200-seat cinema in the main hall continuously screens documentaries on the atrocities of the Japanese army in Nanjing in Chinese, Japanese, and English versions throughout the day), to recreate the tragic history of the Nanjing Massacre and expose the bloody atrocities of Japanese militarists. In addition, the museum courtyard also houses exhibitions on the John Rabe Diaries and the Higashi Shiro Diaries case. These two exhibitions, using a wealth of precious historical materials and photographs, respectively present the atrocities committed by the Japanese army as recorded by a German in Nanjing and by a Japanese soldier who participated in the Nanjing Massacre, to vividly and concretely demonstrate the historical truth of the Nanjing Massacre. This is a true historical record and a unique exhibition of testimonies. "Remembering the past is a guide for the future; learning from history is essential for creating a better future." The museum has now become an important place for international prayer for peace and historical and cultural exchange; it is also a "National Patriotic Education Base for Primary and Secondary Schools."