Huazumen

Huazumen

Huazumen is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Anhui.

Located in the southeastern part of the city, Huazumen is said to have been built by Cao Cao in remorse for executing Hua Tuo, a renowned local physician. The temple is densely planted with datura, immersing visitors in traditional medicine as soon as they pass through the mountain gate.

Originally constructed during the Tang and Song dynasties, Huazumen consists of three courtyards: the Temple Shrine, the Former Residence, and the Ancient East Garden. Covering an area of 8,600 square meters, the Temple Shrine features stone lions standing guard both inside and out, ancient trees with twisting branches reaching skyward, and resplendent halls exuding solemn dignity. The statue of the Divine Physician is rendered with warmth, kindness, determination, and a transcendent charm, appearing spirited and lifelike. The site displays a wealth of medical historical documents and cultural relics. In the western side hall, a series of colorfully painted clay sculptures, enhanced by lighting and scenic design, captivate visitors. The eastern courtyard is entered through a bamboo gate, where Hua Tuo’s Self-Contentment Pavilion stands proudly. A couplet hangs from its beams: “Truly a carefree cloud or wild crane, content by flowing waters and the music of jade zither,” a phrase that aptly depicts Hua Tuo’s life. Beyond the Temple Shrine lies his former residence, the Yuanhua Thatched Cottage, situated on a high platform. The east wing is called “Hall of Longevity,” while the west wing, “Chamber of Treasures,” served as his pharmacy and consultation room in his day. They display portraits of famous physicians throughout Chinese history, local legends about Hua Tuo, as well as inscriptions and paintings from scholars and experts both in China and abroad. The entire complex is interconnected by winding corridors, framed by age-old pines and cypresses, lush bamboos, and cold-resistant plum blossoms, with deep shadows of green complementing the shrine. Passing through the painted corridor, you enter the Ancient Herbal Garden, where a medicinal pool lies shaded by weeping willows and hanging locust trees, its waters glistening emerald green. The Benevolent Water Pavilion and the Zigzag Bridge stand elegantly amid the scene, their reflections shimmering like a crystal palace. Beyond, amidst a fence of bamboo and thatch, are planted precious medicinal herbs and flowers such as peonies, tree peonies, white chrysanthemums, datura, roses, and palm trees—creating a fragrant herb garden in full bloom all year round. Scenic spots such as the Divine Physician Pavilion, the Five-Animal Exercise Display, the Cloud Path Bridge, and the Poetry Wall are tucked away among the blue waters and green trees, all in classic antique style, offering a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere that stirs contemplation across the ages.