Firefly-Gathering Platform

Firefly-Gathering Platform

The Firefly-Gathering Platform is located on the northeastern foothills of Jiashan Mountain in Xinzhou. It was where Che Yin, Minister of Personnel during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, studied by the light of fireflies. In his childhood, Che Yin caught fireflies and put them in a silk bag to use as a lamp, studying day and night until he achieved fame through hard work. The famous anecdote of “studying by firefly light” originated here. The story of Che Yin gathering fireflies in a bag and diligently studying has inspired countless underprivileged students to study hard and strive for success. The radiance from this fertile land has illuminated the life journeys of many impoverished youths, encouraging them to pursue lofty ideals.

A memorial hall called the Che Gong Ancestral Temple was built at Chezhu Gang, Che Yin’s former residence, housing a statue of Che Yin. Later, the Chezhu Academy was constructed on the original site. In front of the academy are two wells—one male and one female. Drawing water from the female well causes the male well to dry up, and vice versa; drawing from both causes both to run deep. Che Yin was buried in his hometown in a tomb known as the Tomb of Che Wuzi. The Song Dynasty poet Wang Qiyu once wrote: “Though the scholar’s bones rest, his name endures; towering tombs stand, yet truth fades away. Just recognize the spot where fireflies gather at night, and you’ll know a reader lies below.” To commemorate Che Yin and inspire future generations, the people of his hometown gather on the eighth day of the eighth lunar month for a firefly lantern contest among schoolchildren. Over time, this evolved into a custom, giving rise to the annual Firefly Festival on the eighth day of the eighth month.