Hometown of Zhu Yingtai

Hometown of Zhu Yingtai

The Hometown of Zhu Yingtai is a cultural tourism attraction.

“In Shangyu County, Zhu’s Village, by the Jade River, there lived a Zhu Yingtai, talented and beautiful...” This is the opening line of China’s first color opera film *The Butterfly Lovers*, clearly indicating that Shangyu is the birthplace of the world-renowned love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. The *Newly Compiled Chronicles of Shangyu County* from the 34th year of the Wanli reign in the Ming Dynasty and the *Chronicles of Shangyu County* from the 17th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty both document this historical tale. Archaeological findings in Zhu’s Village reveal that human activity in this area dates back at least 2,000 years to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Numerous precious cultural relics and historic sites confirm that Zhu’s Village was once a picturesque and prosperous residential village.

Shangyu City has made great efforts to tap into the rich “Liang-Zhu” cultural heritage. Building on script performances, book compilations, thematic seminars, and website development, the construction of the “Hometown of Yingtai – Zhu’s Village Cultural Tourism Area” project, with an investment of 230 million yuan, officially commenced on October 18, 2003. Covering nearly 5,000 acres, the entire tourism area will center around Liang-Zhu culture and leverage the surrounding landscape to develop six major functional zones: the Jade River Sightseeing Belt, the Cultural Expo Zone, the Leisure Resort Zone, the Recreational Activity Zone, the Cultural Experience Zone, and the Comprehensive Service Zone. The architectural style will feature a strong Jiangnan water town charm, harmonizing with the romantic ambiance of the Liang-Zhu legend.