Erlang Shen Cultural Heritage Park

Erlang Shen Cultural Heritage Park

Erlang Shen Cultural Heritage Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Erlang Shen Cultural Heritage Park is located at Wulongkou, one kilometer north of Guannan County in Jiangsu Province, at the estuary of the Guanhe River where five rivers converge. As an emerging tourism project in Guannan County, the local people have made full use of the strategic cultural resources of "Journey to the West" and "Erlang Shen." With a total investment of 120 million yuan, the development covers an area of 395 mu and a building area of 16,000 square meters. The completion of the park is a significant initiative by Guannan to achieve regional cultural inheritance and tourism development. On May 5, 2014, the park was officially approved as a national 4A-level tourist attraction. It has now become a domestic base for the display and inheritance of Erlang Shen culture, the largest Taoist site in northern Jiangsu and southern Shandong, and an important scenic spot in the "Huaihai Journey to the West Cultural Tourism Circle."

Erlang Shen Cultural Heritage Park is located in the core area of Wulongkou, one kilometer north of Guannan County, covering an area of 395 mu. Five rivers converge here: the Yanhe River with a history of over a thousand years, the Guanhe River with a history of over eight hundred years, the Wuzhanghe River praised by literati throughout the ages, and the North and South Liutang Rivers that provide water for the residents of Guannan County. The area features vast waters, excellent ecology, ancient charm, and access to both rivers and the sea.

Erlang Shen Cultural Heritage Park seeks to embody the true form and spirit of the Divine Lord Erlang, one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels—"Journey to the West"—and its author’s reputed hometown. Research confirms that the Guanjiangkou where Erlang Shen was stationed is the current Guanhe River estuary within Guannan County. The park is characterized by Tang-style ancient architecture, themed around promoting filial piety culture, and focuses on wetland conservation, leisure entertainment, and ecological experiences. It connects the culture of Erlang Shen with that of Guannan into a visible and tangible scenic destination, attracting curious visitors from all directions. The many legendary tales of Erlang Shen passed down through generations along the Guanhe River have become popular topics of discussion among tourists.

Guannan Erlang Shen Temple is located at Wulongkou in Guannan County, Jiangsu Province. Wulongkou, the ancient and alternative name for Wuzhanghe, originally referred to the confluence of five rivers within Guannan County: the Guanhe River, Yanhe River, South Liutang River, North Liutang River, and Liji River. It is situated about 500 meters west of the current Wuzhanghe Sluice. Over time, Wulongkou evolved into a regional name—not only as the ancient and alternative name for Wuzhanghe, but also as a geographical term encompassing Wuzhanghe and its surrounding areas. Today, Guannan County has planned and established the Wulongkou Ecological Reserve here, covering both Xin’an Town and Liji Township, and is gradually developing and utilizing the area to create a scenic zone integrating tourism, sightseeing, dining, and commerce.

Source: Jiangsu Provincial Forestry Bureau