Wall of Ten Thousand Blessings

Wall of Ten Thousand Blessings

Wall of Ten Thousand Blessings

Fufeng has a long history and splendid culture. Blessed with a land of outstanding people and abundant resources, this place has been shaped by over two thousand years of history and change. Its natural scenery, historical relics, ethnic culture, as well as the Sanfeng and Yelang cultures, together endow Fufeng with a uniquely charming ancient city cultural essence, and bestow upon the character “福” (blessing/fortune) its auspicious and beautiful meaning.

To showcase the remarkable achievements our city has made since the reform and opening-up, and to fully explore and inherit Fufeng’s long-standing history and culture as well as the profound “Blessing” culture, our city has constructed the “Wall of Ten Thousand Blessings” at the southern end of Bigui Square. This iconic relief structure is composed of “福” (blessing) characters in various styles and forms, written by renowned calligraphers from ancient and modern times. The main section consists of over three hundred “福” characters, among which the smallest “福” represents a blessing for each of the 365 days of the year. Twelve larger “福” characters represent blessings for each month of the four seasons. The largest “福” character in the center (the “King of 福”) symbolizes the ultimate blessing and the source of all fortune. All the “福” characters are carved from bluestone. Hundreds of small “福” characters are inscribed in various seal script styles; the twelve larger “福” characters were written by emperors throughout history and contemporary celebrities; the “King of 福” was written by Wang Xizhi, the Sage of Calligraphy in China. On both sides of the “福” character display, the poetry of Zhang Sanfeng and distinguished historical figures from Fufeng is carved in the form of a stele forest. On the right side of the wall is carved the “Inscription of the Relief at Bigui Square in Fufeng City” written by Wang Hongru, a cultural figure from Fufeng and an expert at the Provincial Academy of Social Sciences. Cultural figures of today have also contributed a couplet on both sides of the wall that encapsulates the history and culture of Fufeng.

The construction of the “Wall of Ten Thousand Blessings” was carried out through a public subscription model, where citizens could purchase “福” characters as prayers for blessings. The largest “福” character has been subscribed to by Hongfu Corporation, symbolizing boundless fortune. Additionally, specially prepared “Blessings” with unique meanings such as “Longevity Blessing,” “Filial Piety Blessing,” “Couple’s Blessing,” and “Family Blessing” are available for purchase based on different needs. Purchasers can write their own names, after which the constructing unit will carve either the name of the organization or the individual below the purchased “福” character, praying for health and happiness. A cultural journey to the source of blessings—let the “fortune” bless all citizens of the city and everyone who loves Fufeng, allowing the character “福” to convey the spirit and culture of Fufeng.