Zhuyang Scenic Area

Zhuyang Scenic Area

Zhuyang Scenic Area is a garden-style tourist destination relying on the top-tier landscape and cultural scenery of Guangxi City Vocational College and centered around Shuangshi Peak. The area includes unique cultural landscapes rich in traditional Chinese culture, such as Nüwa Mending the Sky, Zhuyang Garden, Zen Garden, Sea Turned into Mulberry Fields, World Music Square, Nine Dragons and Eight Phoenixes Wall, Mountain Lotus Garden, Life Spring Source, Ginseng Valley, and Fuyuan Square. Students can deeply engage with Chinese traditions here; visitors, in turn, can contemplate life amid these thought-provoking cultural settings. In May 2011, it was awarded the title of National AAA-level Tourist Attraction.

At the main entrance of the scenic area lies a rock formation resembling a soaring dragon or the contours of a nation. In front stand two peculiar stones—one named "Hero" and the other "Lying Sheep." These three stones create a whimsical tableau reminiscent of Emperor Liu Bang’s dream of herding sheep before he claimed kingship and sought supremacy. To strive for the nation, for the world—this chase after the sheep symbolizes that drive. Liu Bang’s glance back at this dream gave him the confidence to contend for the Central Plains, a vision that remains the unyielding dream of the college. It is hoped that every student here will find their place, define their societal role, and become the master of their own destiny.

The Nine Dragons and Eight Phoenixes Wall, Sea Turned into Mulberry Fields, and the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions form a triad on the flatlands at the mountain’s base. Above the "Sea Turned into Mulberry Fields," the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions keep watch from afar, while the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise guard the four cardinal directions. The Nine Dragons and Eight Phoenixes Wall unfurls from the east, symbolizing the rise of the dragon-descended nation—a new master of the world—overlooking the ever-changing sea and fields. This represents the college's aspirational vision and earnest hope for its students.

Shuangshi Peak serves as the core of the scenic area—"a mountain need not be high; with immortals, it becomes divine." The Dao-seeking Platform, Heyu Tower, and Tianfu Altar stand majestically on the mountain’s northern face, each with its distinct form. As visitors ascend the stone steps along the mountainside, they can gaze at distant peaks vanishing into the mist. Ascending the Dao-seeking Platform, the act of "seeking the Dao" mirrors the pursuit of higher realms. As your feet leave the rocky path and your fingers graze the carved railings, the gentle mountain feels as smooth as jade. "Uniting jade is uniting the nation"—to unite jade is to establish and prosper a nation. Tianfu (Heavenly Blessing) emphasizes harmony with time and place. While shaping your future, also foster a harmonious atmosphere. "Right timing, right place, and human harmony" will elevate you to greater heights.

On a spacious platform in the mountain are inlaid three large seal script characters: "一" (one), "口" (mouth), and "田" (field). Beside the character for "field" is a small "衣" (clothing), together forming the character "福" (blessing or happiness)—hence the name "Fuyuan Square" (Blessing Garden Square). It conveys a message to all: regardless of era or social system, the well-being of the people must be prioritized. Wear simple clothes, till the vast fields, and live a good life—this portrays the peaceful and happy existence of common folk who are the masters of their own homes.

On the southern foothills of the mountain stand three pavilions: Hongqing Pavilion, Yezhi Pavilion, and Zisheng Pavilion. These modest structures, with green tiles and red pillars, are set against the backdrop of blooming flowers and lush greenery at the mountain’s base, exuding vibrant vitality. From the pavilions, one can overlook young men and women playing and swimming in the water park’s pool, feeling the youthful energy radiating from them.

Within "Ginseng Valley," layered mountain cliffs are adorned with exquisitely hand-carved "ginseng" roots of various forms, all made from local materials. Symbolic figures of fortune, prosperity, and longevity—including the Southern Pole Star Elder, the God of Longevity—are nestled within, creating an ambiance as serene as a fairyland. Sitting in the "Qiyi Residence" with a cup of tea, a book, and an old song, accompanied by green pines and lush grass, even without dim lamps or ancient Buddha statues, one can enjoy moments of epiphany and philosophical reflection. Carvings of ginseng, mountain lotus, lingzhi mushrooms, and gourds are embedded in the mountain itself, offering a glimpse into the cultural meanings passed down through traditional auspicious symbols—and invoking wishes for happiness, peace, and good fortune.

Halfway up the southern peak lies a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The platform in front splits into three paths leading down the mountain, symbolizing: the "enlightened" who achieve profound realization; the "later enlightened" who gain understanding but lack sudden insight; and the "unenlightened" who neither think deeply nor possess much wisdom.

At the summit of Shuangshi Peak’s southern peak stands a statue of Nüwa Mending the Sky. She stands atop the highest point of Shuangshi Peak, graceful in posture, with her right arm bent and her left hand singly holding up the five-colored stone to mend the heavens—gentle yet resolute, embodying unwavering determination in her celestial repair. Nüwa is the great mother of the Chinese nation. She compassionately created us and bravely battled natural disasters to save humanity from catastrophe—an act of selfless devotion. At the same time, she watches over the ever-changing seas and fields of the world.

The scenic area also features attractions rich in traditional Chinese culture, such as Flying Dragon in the Sky and the Cultural Hundred Schools Forest. "Flying Dragon in the Sky," a large-scale iconic cultural landmark independently conceived, designed, and built by faculty and students, centers on the theme "The dragon’s spine supports the sky of human civilization." It adopts the layout of the Chinese map, integrating China’s rich history, geography, and cultural heritage into the park’s environment. The Cultural Hundred Schools Forest features quotes from renowned figures, recommended by teachers and students, engraved on exquisite stones. Walking among them feels like being surrounded by a hundred masters sharing insights on life. In March each year, visitors can also admire the breathtaking blossoms of peach flowers.

Choose a sunny day to stroll along tree-lined paths, rest on benches by the flowers, or lie back and watch sunlight filter through the leaves—everywhere, you’ll sense the enduring beauty of the land.