Dai Zhen Park

Dai Zhen Park

Dai Zhen Park is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Dai Zhen Park is located in the central area of Tunxi District, Huangshan City, at the intersection of Yan’an Road and Zhima Road, adjacent to Tunxi Old Street—one of China’s top ten historical and cultural streets. The park was built in 1982. Originally situated on Huashan (Huashan Mountain), it was first named Huashan Park before being renamed Dai Zhen Park. There used to be a Huashan Temple on Huashan, which was later destroyed. The park is named after Dai Zhen. The entire park covers an area of 29 hectares, with 27.84 hectares of green space and a water area of 2.6 hectares in Zhutang. The park features numerous attractions, including the Dai Zhen Sculpture, Dai Zhen Memorial Hall, Zhutang Boat Dock, Dai Zhen Exhibition Hall, Sunset Pavilion, Ink Fragrance Pavilion, Stone Arch Bridge (Jade Belt Bridge), Botanical Garden (Osmanthus Garden, Cherry Blossom Garden, Plum and Peach Garden), Huizhou-Style Bonsai Garden (Cuijing Garden), and a zoo.

“Loving the land of fish and rice in the south, Tunxi Ancient Town holds even deeper charm. Below Little Huashan, the peach blossom waters flow, not to mention the fragrance of tea and ink.” This poem describes the scene of Tunxi Old Street, where Huashan refers to the location of Dai Zhen Park.

The park’s vegetation is dominated by forested hills, emphasizing botanical landscaping and the preservation of the plants’ natural ecology. It has formed a microcirculation system of natural plant communities, with over 150 species of woody plants. It serves as an ideal site for scientific research and teaching specimen collection, as well as a perfect place for urban residents to relax, unwind, and engage in fitness activities. It is also a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts.

Historical records indicate that in ancient times, the water level of Zhutang was much higher than the street, often causing flooding issues. Later, Dai Zhen, a renowned Qing Dynasty scholar of textual criticism, mathematician, and astronomer, designed and constructed the Zhutang Dam to control the flooding. As a result, in 1988, scholars and literati renamed the park Dai Zhen Park in his honor.

Zhao Puchu (1907–2000) was from Taihu, Anhui Province, and was a renowned Buddhist scholar, social activist, calligrapher, patriotic religious leader, and member of the China Democratic League.

Zhao Puchu was born in the Anqing Scholar-Official Mansion, a family known for having produced scholars for four generations. His father, Zhao Weiru, graduated from the provincial higher school and was later appointed as a provisional county magistrate in Hubei Province. However, he had no interest in holding office and devoted himself to studying calligraphy and painting at home. Zhao Puchu benefited greatly from this environment during his childhood. His mother managed all household affairs and often told him stories about the diligence and perseverance of ancient scholars during her spare time... More details about Zhao Puchu ++