One Step, Two Wells

One Step, Two Wells

One Step, Two Wells is located in front of the Dragon King Temple on Southwest Street in the old city area. The two wells stand side by side from east to west, just one step apart. The western well has bitter water, while the eastern well has sweet water — hence the name. Next to them is a stone tablet inscribed with the legend of “One Step, Two Wells.” It is said that heading west from the old city and traveling south from the City God Temple, there used to be a three-room Dragon King Temple on the west side of the Filial Piety Archway. In front of the temple was a large water pond, connected to which was a winding dirt path that looked from afar much like a long dragon. The winding path was about ten-plus meters long, representing the dragon’s body. The dragon’s head was a small earthen mound, featuring a recessed dragon mouth and outward-flying dragon whiskers. The two wells were situated right at the dragon’s head, resembling a pair of eyes. Legend has it that the Little White Dragon dug these two wells to save Emperor Shun and promptly came to his rescue when he encountered danger. The wells are like the dragon’s eyes: the western well, originating from the East Sea, contains saltwater (bitter), while the eastern well, sourced from the Yellow River, holds freshwater (sweet). To commemorate the Little White Dragon’s deed in saving Emperor Shun, the Dragon King Temple was later built. A poem by later generations reads: “A single step apart, two wells stand / Legend says they’re the dragon’s eyes so grand / The Jade Emperor’s needle subdued the dragon grand / Bitter and sweet springs spread their fame across the land.”

Source: Compilation Committee of Local Chronicles of Yucheng City