Xiuxi Park

Xiuxi Park

Xiuxi Park is located in Lujiang County, covering an area of 9.1 hectares, including 4.1 hectares of green space, 3.4 hectares of water area, and 1.6 hectares of developed land. Lujiang has a long and profound history. According to the county annals, Lujiang “was known as Shu in the Han Dynasty, belonged to Lujiang Commandery, and was established as Lujiang County in the early years of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty,” boasting a history of over fourteen hundred years to date. Its long history and splendid culture have nurtured numerous talents, such as the renowned Three Kingdoms general Zhou Yu and the Qing Dynasty naval commander Ding Ruchang, who stand out in history. The large water area of Xiuxi Park consists of existing bodies of water. The park is built upon natural scenery, with interconnected islands forming a naturally beautiful landscape. The lake shimmers with ripples, fragrant with lotus blossoms; along the shore, birds chirp amid rows of green willows. Xiuxi Park is a public park that blends history with scenery, where emotions and landscapes merge, offering breathtaking views. The park’s landscapes are intertwined with cultural elements. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the Jiaolong Square, symbolizing the many outstanding talents of Lujiang akin to dragons. On the side stands a relief wall depicting the “Battle of Weihaiwei,” showcasing the “great achievements of Ding Ruchang,” commemorating the unyielding patriotism of the Qing Dynasty general Ding Ruchang.

To the south of the relief wall lies the “Juxian Hall,” filled with a warm ambiance and the fragrance of tea. To the north is Huaixin Square, which recalls the Three Kingdoms hero Zhou Yu through the poetic line “Red Cliffs left behind the valor of heroes, and youth bore the fame of the brave.” The Jin’ge Bridge, Rongma Bridge, and Guqu Bridge respectively reflect the imagery of warfare and the talent anecdote “if the tune is wrong, Zhou Lang will look”—a reference to Zhou Yu’s musical prowess. These three bridges lead to the central island, which is lush with trees and blooming peach and willow trees, creating an enchanting scene. By the southern Wine-Boiling Pavilion, ancient plum trees exude their fragrance, echoing the historical tale of “discussing heroes over wine-boiled green plums.” The park also features the Yinxiu Corridor, where swaying bamboo casts playful shadows. To the west of the corridor lies a tranquil fishing spot, peaceful and pleasant, with pebble shoals faintly visible, allowing visitors to enjoy the wonderful combination of sunlight, lawns, shade, and shallow waters. At the park’s eastern entrance stands the Zhoushi Platform, which integrates history with the landscape. Xiuxi Park offers numerous leisure and entertainment facilities, especially the experience of boating on the lake, paddling and cruising amid “the shimmering blue waters reflecting the new city’s charm, and the painted corridors, pavilions, and bridges floating above the misty remnants of the past,” sure to bring a unique delight to your visit. Xiuxi, originally named Jinxiu Creek, flowed outside the city before the Southern Song Dynasty when the county town had no walls. The creek was connected to the outer river. There was an unusually large pearl mussel in the creek, often stepped on by those entering the water. At night, its shell would sometimes open, glowing as bright as the moon, illuminating the ground for several meters. After the city walls were built, the creek was separated from the outer river. The name “Xiuxi” conveys the meaning of charming mountains and rivers, and it is also called Shuangxi (Twin Creeks) because the water splits into two. Wang Zhidao, a Song Dynasty figure, described Jinxiu Creek: “Painted bridges and carved railings connect to the embankment, where a recluse now dwells by the Xiuxi; a thousand acres of clear brightness span the sky, two mirrors of light reflecting east and west. Soaring towers and rising halls appear in layers, ancient trees and tall bamboos confuse the view up close. Do you believe this scene at this time? Amid the green willow shade, orioles sing.” Yang Jie, a poet from Wuwei in the Northern Song Dynasty, wrote in his poem “Jinxiu Creek”: “Ten miles of bustling beauty along the brocade creek, where autumn hunters skillfully fly kites. A land painted in flowers and willows, under a pale sun and thick clouds like ink-wash skies.” These verses attest to the exquisite beauty of Xiuxi.