Ancient Ruins of Xiuqiu

Ancient Ruins of Xiuqiu

The Ancient Ruins of Xiuqiu is a national AA-level tourist attraction and a cultural heritage site protected by Henan Province.

Xiuqiu, also known as Fuxia, is located 18 li southeast of Puyang County at the western side of Gudi. This is the site where “Shun served during the time in Fuxia” and “Zengzi paid his respects in Fuxia.” The mound rises abruptly, encircled by clear waters, with lotus flowers planted in the center and ducks playing among them. Walking along the embankment to the south and ascending the steps, you are greeted by stone lions at the entrance, with two steles on either side—one inscribed “Ancient Ruins of Xiuqiu” and the other “Record of Xiuqiu,” both erected in the ninth year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty by Magistrate Li Fuqing. In the center stands a small temple housing a statue of Guanyin. The courtyard is shaded by trees and dotted with steles. The east and west wings display paintings of the Ten Heavenly Kings. At the back is a main hall, three bays deep, with high eaves and carved stone pillars featuring intricate designs. Inside the hall, curtains hang low and banners are raised, with two rows of six goddess statues dressed in phoenix coronets and flowery robes, dignified and graceful, resembling the Goddess Bixia Yuanjun of Mount Penglai. The side walls are adorned with images of various deities, and embroidered plaques are hung throughout. It was once a place where villagers prayed for blessings and children. Further back is a bedroom hall, along with a sloping path that leads slightly to a smaller western mound. Its beauty has endured for thousands of years.

The Kaizhou Annals from the Jiajing era record: “Xiuqiu is located eighteen li south of the prefecture, five zhang high, fifteen zhang in length and width, with a smaller attached mound to the west, three zhang high.” The Book of Rites · Tan Gong I states: “Gongsun Wenzi ascended Xiuqiu, accompanied by Qu Boyu. Wenzi said, ‘How delightful this mound is！ When I die, I wish to be buried here.’ Boyu (whose name was Yuan) replied, ‘If you find joy in it, then I request to go ahead.’” This shows that even in the Spring and Autumn period, this place had already attracted the attention of high-ranking officials and nobles, serving as a scenic spot for climbing and sightseeing, and was praised as an ancient park.

Archaeological findings indicate that pottery shards from the Longshan Culture, Erlitou Culture, and Shang-Zhou periods have been discovered here, suggesting it may have been an ancient tribal settlement. Yet its beautiful scenery is unique to Puyang. The Record of Xiuqiu states: “From afar, the mound towers several zhang high, standing solitary and majestic. At its corners, woods provide intersecting shade, and clear streams flow around. Crossing a stone bridge, one reaches the temple gate, where the open fields stretch as far as the eye can see. On that day, the clouds dispersed, the air was clear, and the sky was free of any haze. To the west, the great hills of Linyang were visible, with trees and rocks distinguishable, and to the southeast, Mount Tai also loomed in the misty distance.” It also says: “Within the territory of Chan, situated in the Central Plains, the land is peaceful and expansive, without towering mountains or steep ridges. Only this mound rises proudly from the earth—truly a splendid sight. The mound spans fifteen zhang in length and width, with a smaller attached mound to the west and a narrow path leading to it. Within are palaces, temples, and pavilions, but notably absent are shrines to Wenzi and Boyu, as well as resting places for visitors, which is somewhat regrettable. However, if two shrines for the worthy men were built, and additional multi-storied pavilions constructed on the smaller mound—with wide-open windows offering spaces for rest and sightseeing—it would indeed be a delightful place.” A Qing-era poem reads: “Looking out across the plains for miles, in autumn the leaves have not yet all withered. The scenery by the stream is truly picturesque, as a guest crosses the little bridge with a child.” One can see why the landscape is so enchanting, like a paradise, no wonder Wenzi wished to be buried here.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Cultural Heritage Sites Protected by Henan Province