Guizheng Scenic Area

Guizheng Scenic Area

The lawn greening area of Guizheng Scenic Area covers 5,000 m². The scenic landmark — a group sculpture of stone turtles, is 8 meters long, 2.6 meters high, and weighs about 80 tons, making it the largest of its kind in China. The plan includes 99 large and small stone turtles to create a true turtle garden.

Since the dawn of humanity, humans have shared an inseparable bond with turtles. The ancestors of Chinese civilization revered the turtle as a totem. “Fuxi was the first to use turtle shells for divination,” according to *Wu Yuan*, and the inscriptions carved on turtle plastrons, known as “oracle bone script,” made turtles the carriers of ancient Chinese culture. From ancient times to the present, people have regarded turtles as mystical creatures with special spiritual qualities — symbols of good fortune and models of longevity — worshipping them devoutly. Among the four traditional Chinese symbols of good fortune — the dragon, phoenix, qilin, and turtle — only the turtle is a real creature. It is believed to possess the unique power to ward off evil and avoid harm, and is also known for its strong vitality. Therefore, turtles are regarded by the public as protective talismans for homes and are kept and revered.

Guizheng got its name from the abundance of Cuora trifasciata (also known as the golden coin turtle) in the surrounding area, and is considered the hometown of the golden coin turtle. The golden coin turtle, scientifically named *Cuora trifasciata*, is a second-class nationally protected animal, and is of high value for adoption, ornamental purposes, and scientific research — a rare gem among turtle species. To promote and enrich traditional Chinese turtle culture, the Guizheng Turtle Park has been specially established. It offers visitors the opportunity to admire, pray for longevity, seek prosperity, and release turtles, while also raising awareness about cherishing life and caring for nature.

The main stone turtle in the Guizheng stone turtle group sculpture is 8 meters long, 2.6 meters high, and weighs 80 tons, making it the largest of its kind in China and earning it the title “King of Chinese Turtles.”