Xuting Village

Xuting Village

Xuting, situated thirty li northwest of Zanhuang County, is one of the four major market towns in the area, with a history spanning more than 2,200 years. Historical records note that in 204 BC, Marquis of Huaiyin Han Xin secured a victory at Xuting. The village is renowned for its illustrious sons and daughters. Since the founding of Zanhuang County in the Sui Kaihuang period, it has been a cradle of talent, producing six prime ministers during the Tang Dynasty, earning it the title “Hometown of Tang Prime Ministers.” Du Nantang, tutor to Emperor Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty, was also from Xuting, and the village still preserves the “Hanlin Residence.”

There are many folk legends about the origin of Xuting’s name. One says the area was once a lake with a small pavilion on it called Huting, hence the village was named Huting. Later, as the lake dried up, people dropped the water radical from “Hu,” turning it into “Xu,” thus forming the name Xuting. Another version states that during the Western Han Dynasty, a “ting” (pavilion) was established every ten li in rural areas, overseen by a tingzhang (pavilion chief) responsible for public security and civil administration. The “Book of Han · Table of Officials” records: “One ting every ten li, ten ting make one xiang (township).” The first tingzhang was surnamed Xu, which is why the place was named Xuting.

Yet another story ties the name to Han Xin’s “fighting with one’s back to the river.” Legend has it that in 204 BC, Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, ordered Han Xin and Zhang Er to march east through the Jingxing Pass to engage the Zhao King Xie and Chen Yu. After a decisive battle with their backs to the river, Han Xin achieved a great victory and killed Chen Yu at the Qi River. When Han Xin’s troops returned here, his soldiers requested to “stop” (ting) to celebrate, and Han Xin “allowed it” (xu zhi), hence the name “Xuting” (allowing to stop). Over time, “ting” evolved into “ting” (pavilion), becoming Xuting.

Li Qiao served as prime minister three times and was a renowned literary figure of the early Tang Dynasty, one of the “Four Friends of Prose.”

Li Jifu was prime minister twice, suppressing rebellions, reducing feudal powers, and cutting redundant officials. He was hailed as a “statesman of strategy” and was also a celebrated geographer.

Li Jiang was a famous remonstrating official, known for speaking bluntly and putting the nation before himself. Emperor Xianzong praised him, saying, “Jiang’s words are sharp and honest—he is truly a prime minister.”

Li Jue gained the trust of Emperor Muzong Li Heng upon his ascension, serving as Hanlin Academician and being granted the purple-golden attire. He was also appointed Tuntian Yuanwailang and was referred to as the “inner prime minister.”

Li Guyan achieved the top score in the Renchen imperial examination in the seventh year of Emperor Xianzong’s Yuanhe era (812 AD). He was appointed to positions in Jiangxi and other regions, later serving as Vice Minister of Works and Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.

Li Deyu, son of Li Jifu, was promoted to Hanlin Academician during Emperor Muzong’s reign, and successively appointed as Zhongshu Sheren and Imperial Censorate Zhongcheng. Later, he was named Minister of War, Secretary of the Ministry of War, granted the title Bo of Zanhuang Commandery, and eventually made Duke of Wey.

Transportation Guide

Location: Xuting Village, Xuting Township, Zanhuang County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province

By Bus: Take a bus from Zanhuang bound for Xuting Township.