Shangshu Leisure Village (Shangshuwei Village)

Shangshu Leisure Village (Shangshuwei Village)

Shangshuwei (pronounced "gai") Village is a beautiful small settlement tucked away at the junction of northwest Zhejiang and Anhui. The village isn't large, surrounded by mountains on all sides, where over 1,000 villagers live by the rhythm of sunrise and sunset. It is connected to the outside world by just a single county road. Over the centuries, layers of modern influences have continuously shaped this small mountain hamlet. Its tranquil life has begun to change, and the serene landscape has been infused with new vitality — it is now known as "China's Beautiful Countryside."

A mountain need not be high; it is sacred if it has an immortal. Over six hundred years ago, Yang Zhenpu, a village boy from the farming family, studied diligently for ten years and eventually achieved the highest academic honor in the imperial examination system, becoming a Jinshi. He was later appointed as the Minister of Rites. The once quiet little village buzzed with excitement for having produced such a high-ranking official. Shangshu Street, Shangshu Pavilion, Shangshu Terrace... the village became famous because of the Shangshu (Minister), and the title became synonymous with the locality. When Minister Yang returned home to visit his family, he left behind eight guiding principles: “Study things, acquire knowledge, act sincerely, rectify the mind, cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.” These words were meant to teach future generations that personal moral and intellectual development should be seamlessly linked to achieving success in the external world, forming a continuous journey toward the ultimate goal of “attaining perfection.” They inspired descendants to use knowledge to change their fates and benefit their hometowns, fostering a culture that values learning and education.

Upon entering Shangshuwei Village, an asphalt road winds through lush bamboo groves, revealing miles of picturesque bamboo countryside. After about half an hour’s drive through the mountainous landscape, a towering 10-meter-high granite memorial archway stands at the village entrance, inscribed with the bold characters “Shangshu Overlooking the Scenery” (“尚书揽胜”) at its center. Just a few dozen meters past the archway, the scenery suddenly opens up — Shangshu Village, nestled in a mountain hollow, unfolds before your eyes in distinct tiers, with layered pavilions and refined scenery.

At the entrance stands Shangshu Pavilion, followed by uniquely cultural structures such as the Zigzag Bridge, Golden List Gate, and Shangshu Culture Exhibition Hall. The exhibition hall features exquisite wax figures and stories of inspiration and legend, offering a rich visual and spiritual feast. In ancient times, scholars would offer incense, pay tribute to the statue of Minister Shangshu, express gratitude to their teachers, and make wishes at the Golden List Gate — a tradition that continues today with undiminished reverence. Following the winding and motivational “Path of Knowledge,” you will reach the Wenchang Pavilion. Built beside the Beauty String Waterfall Pool on Zhuangyuan Mountain, the pavilion enjoys a prime location embraced by mountains and water. It enshrines three statues: Confucius, the God of Literature (Wenchang Star), and the Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri). It is said that sincere prayers here will earn their blessings.

Address: Shangshuwei Village, Guishan Township, Anji County, Huzhou City

Type: Countryside

Recommended visiting duration: 1 day

Phone: 0572-5610799

Official website: http://www.shangshugai.com/

Opening hours:

8:00-16:00

Ticket information:

Gate price: 60.0 RMB

Adult ticket: 60 RMB; Children between 1.2–1.4 meters: 30 RMB; Children under 1.2 meters: free; Seniors aged 70 and above with a senior ID or ID card: free.