Handan Idioms and Allusions Garden

Handan Idioms and Allusions Garden

Handan is a cultural ancient city with a history of over 3,000 years. It first appeared in historical records during the Spring and Autumn Period and served as the capital of the Zhao State, one of the Seven Warring States, during the Warring States Period. Handan is the oldest city in Hebei Province and also a famous ancient city in China. As early as the early Spring and Autumn Period more than 2,000 years ago, Handan was already established as an administrative region and had become a populated city. During the Warring States Period, it served as the capital of the Zhao State for 158 years. After the Qin Dynasty unified China, Handan County and Handan Commandery were established. At that time, Handan enjoyed economic prosperity and was as renowned as the other five major capitals: Chang’an, Luoyang, Kaifeng, and Chengdu. Its long history has given rise to a splendid culture and immortal civilization in Handan. In particular, the idioms and allusions of Handan blend the charm of both central plains and frontier regions, embodying profound cultural and philosophical meanings. They stand out uniquely in the corridor of Chinese historical culture and can be regarded as national treasures.

The Idioms and Allusions Garden interprets the essence of these ancient Zhao traditions, endows them with new meanings, and presents them to the world through the artistry of stone inscriptions and the expression of garden design. These serve as allegories to the present and as encouragement for future generations. These idioms and allusions not only feature touching stories but also cover a wide range of content with profound implications, playing an important educational and guiding role in real life. The exhibits in the Idioms and Allusions Garden showcase, from one perspective, the long-standing and profound nature of the ancient Zhao culture of Handan, as well as the perfect integration of traditional art and modern civilization, thereby inspiring people’s patriotic enthusiasm for loving the motherland and building their hometown.

For example, it showcases the story of King Wuling of Zhao advocating for military reform by learning horseback riding and archery from the Hu people to strengthen the nation and its army — “Adopting Hu Attire and Mounted Archery,” which pioneered reform; the tale of the Zhao general Lian Po admitting his mistakes, taking the initiative to apologize to Lin Xiangru, and accepting punishment — “Bearing Thorny Brambles to Beg Pardon,” which promotes unity and virtue; the story of Mao Sui, a retainer of Lord Pingyuan of Zhao, volunteering to persuade the King of Chu — “Mao Sui Recommending Himself,” which advocates the right way to employ talent; the account of Ximen Bao eradicating the harmful folk custom of sacrificing a bride to the River God — “The River God Marries a Wife,” which eliminates harmful practices; the principle of increasing revenue and reducing expenditure set by wise rulers — “Increasing Sources and Reducing Expenditure,” which establishes strategies for enriching the people; the example of Zhao She, an official under Lord Pingyuan, fearlessly collecting taxes according to the law regardless of power — “Upholding Public Duty and Obeying the Law,” which clarifies the foundation of national stability; and the story of Lord Xian of Zhao releasing birds to accumulate virtue — “Handan’s Sparrows,” which highlights the importance of ecology. These idioms and allusions offer valuable insights for contemporary issues such as economic development, political stability, anti-corruption, dispelling superstition, protecting the ecological environment, and promoting socialist material and spiritual civilization. Especially for young people, they play a positive role in establishing correct views on life, values, and the world. At the same time, it also serves as a great place for calligraphy enthusiasts to appreciate and study fine calligraphic works. Each idiom in the garden is inscribed by a master of the calligraphy world, including Mr. Qi Gong, Mr. Shen Peng, Mr. Huang Hua, and others. Their profound skills and smooth scripts leave calligraphy lovers in awe.