Scenic Belt along Yanling Road

Scenic Belt along Yanling Road

With the widening and renovation of East Yanling Road, corresponding scenic tourism resources have been added. On both sides of Dongshi River to the south of Tianning Temple, in addition to the existing “Dragon City Buddhist Art” screen wall, ten new and restored scenic spots have been created. From west to east, on the south bank:

Stone Pagoda: A stone pagoda 8.5 meters high has been built on the southern bank opposite the “Dragon City Buddhist Art” screen wall. It is adorned with Southern Dynasties portrait bricks depicting warriors, maids, celestial beings, Qianqiu (a symbol of longevity), Wansui (another longevity symbol), dragons, tigers, flowers, and grasses. The vivid imagery creates a lively and vibrant scene.

Six-Dragon County City: On the southern bank of the river, six dragon heads sculpted on the Dragon Wall spout water, illustrating the origin of the name “Dragon City” and symbolizing the takeoff and development of Changzhou.

Peach Blossom Paradise: This scene is located on the southern bank of Dongshi River, facing Wenbi Pagoda across the water. It recreates the sight of peach blossoms in full bloom during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with red hues stretching as far as the eye can see—“thousands of peach trees in bloom, a winding stream flowing by”—evoking the feeling of “spring breeze charming the eyes, as if one were in the land of Peach Blossom Spring.” It also restores the “Peach Garden Cottage,” “Reading Yi Platform,” and “Crabapple Residence,” which were built here by Li Changxiang, a late Ming Dynasty Ministry of War official, and Yao Shu, a talented woman from Jinling, who once lived in seclusion in this area.

Lingchun Sweet Osmanthus: West of Dongtaiping Bridge, the Chenggui Memorial Archway has been rebuilt. Originally constructed by Xu Shen, the prefect of Changzhou in the Song Dynasty, it was inspired by the story of Dou Yanshan’s five sons all passing the imperial examinations during the Five Dynasties period—a tale symbolized by “Lingchun Sweet Osmanthus.” It was built to celebrate the successive success of Zhang Yanzhi’s four sons—Zhang Shou, Zhang Zai, Zhang Yu, and Zhang ?—who lived in the neighborhood at the time. The archway had long been lost, but its reconstruction showcases Changzhou’s rich cultural heritage.

Imperial Dragon Boat: A dragon boat has been built on the southern bank of Dongshi River to recreate the scene of Emperor Qianlong’s southern inspection tours.

North Bank Attractions:

Lanling Market Scene: Located on the riverside platform on the northern bank of Shijiang River, east of Longjing Bridge, tall trees have been transplanted around the area. The design centers around an ancient well, complete with a well frame, and the retaining wall features a restored map of Dongshi River and scenes of ancient local life.

Qing Dynasty City Map: A “Qing City Map” has been newly created on the northern bank of Dongshi River, along with four Yuheng (jade ritual objects) arranged from west to east, representing the four ancient names of Changzhou: “Yanling,” “Piling,” “Jinling,” and “Lanling.” Each is placed at the center of a cantilevered viewing platform, accompanied by corresponding text descriptions and flower bed decorations to help visitors draw patriotic pride and a sense of local identity from the profound historical and cultural landscape of the ancient city.

Tongwu Gate: East of Dongtaiping Bridge, a water gate has been built, named after the ancient city gate “Tongwu Gate.” In the middle of the flowing river, a round arched water gate in the style of a city wall has been constructed, with a pavilion built on top, creating a unique scenic feature along the city river.

Stone Sutra Pillar: West of the water gate, on the northern bank of Shijiang River, the “Stone Sutra Pillar” from the Northern Song Dynasty’s Taiping Xingguo era has been relocated. Despite a thousand years of weathering, the carvings at the base—depicting Mount Sumeru and the Sea of Sumeru—are still clearly visible, with lifelike and vivid shapes that carry distinct Song Dynasty characteristics.

Legacy of Poet Su Dongpo: At the bend of Dongshi River on the eastern bank, “Legacy of Poet Su Dongpo” has been established. It consists of two pavilions, a set of stele corridors, a carved stone statue of Su Dongpo, and the painting “Su Shi Mooring His Boat at the Pavilion” by Qing Dynasty artist Qian Weicheng.