Zuoyi Zhurong Park

Zuoyi Zhurong Park

Zhurong Park is the first public welfare park in Zuoyi County. It is a people's project invested heavily by the county Party committee and government to enhance the city’s cultural taste and reshape the image of Zuoyi, and it also represents a significant embodiment of the core ideology. Zhurong Park is a multi-themed park with high cultural value. The reconstruction of the Zhurong Temple not only allows visitors to pay homage to the dignity of their ancestors but also infuses new cultural meaning into the county town; its uniquely advantageous location and elegant ecological environment have made it the preferred destination for leisure and recreation among citizens. Zhurong Park is situated on Huoshen Mountain in the northern part of the county town, covering a total area of more than 1,400 acres, with the first phase covering 165 acres. The park is designed with elegance and a rational layout. With the Zhurong Temple as the main axis, it is divided into eastern and western parts. The entire scenic area can be further divided into dynamic and static zones: the dynamic zone uses flowing water as the medium, connecting a high-platform waterfall, artificial lake, suspension bridge, rockery, and jade belt bridge into a unified whole; the static zone uses lawn and green space as the base, with winding paths as the connecting lines, integrating a 100-meter corridor, Lanshijing Tower, cultural square, and fitness garden seamlessly. Looking at the park during the day: pavilions and waterside structures set against lush greenery; at night: lights shimmering like a mirror of a fairyland. The park not only improves the urban environment and expands leisure space, elevating the image of Zuoyi, but also becomes a stunning attraction in the county town.

I. Zhurong Temple

Commonly known as the “Temple of the God of Fire.” Zhurong is said to be Zhongli, the son of Zhuanxu, one of the Five Emperors of ancient times. As Zhongli was in charge of fire worship, he was honored as the “God of Fire.” According to the "Liaozhou Annals of Qing Yongzheng · City Walls": “Liaoyang City, two li north of the prefecture, was built by Zhurong. It was relocated in the third year of the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty. The ancients built the Zhurong Temple on the old site to commemorate it.” This explains the origin of the names of Zhurong Building and Zhurong Street in our county. Liaoyang is said to be a divinely established land. According to stone axes and pottery shards unearthed from a cultural site north of the county town in 1986, it marks that our ancestors had lived and thrived here 4,000 years ago, hence the history of Zhurong establishing the city dates back over 4,000 years. The Zhurong Temple built in the late Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty was severely damaged by wars and conflagrations, leading to today’s "Record of the Reconstruction of Zhurong Temple."

A mountain need not be high — with immortals, it becomes famous. Zhurong Temple, at an altitude of 1,175.8 meters, faces the 13-story, 50-meter-high Wenchao Pagoda on Aofeng Mountain south of the river across the Zhang River. The temple utilizes the undulating terrain of Huoshen Mountain to carve out a staircase path, featuring six platforms (symbolizing “smooth success in all endeavors”), and 234 stone steps (the number “234” signifies Zuoyi’s economic and living standards advancing step-by-step, and also implies your career and fortune rising steadily). Among them, the stone steps to the main hall of Zhurong Temple number 108 (symbolizing the 108 trials in life; when you walk these 108 steps without looking back and reach the platform, it signifies that from then on, your wishes will come true and your journey will be smooth). The stone steps and platforms resemble the architectural style of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing (from below, only the steps are visible, not the platforms; from above, only the platforms are seen, not the steps).

From afar, the main hall’s upturned eaves and corners present a majestic aura. Ascending the steps, you see the plaque hanging high above the hall inscribed with three gilded characters: “Zhurong Temple.” Upon reaching the platform, you feel refreshed and invigorated, overlooking the beautiful mountains and rivers surrounded by the Zhang River, and taking in the panoramic view of the county town. Inside the hall stands a 3.3-meter-tall, 13-ton white marble statue of the ancestor, whose kind expression and sword across the chest exude solemnity and dignity, showcasing a profound compassion to stay in the world, guard Liaoyang, and guide all beings.

II. Lanshijing Tower

Lanshijing Tower is built atop a circular water tower that supplies drinking water to 30,000 residents of the county town. Ascending the tower, you can admire the Eight Scenic Spots of Liaoyang. The marble relief carvings of the Eight Scenic Spots are artistic works that epitomize the eight major attractions of Zuoyi. They were conceived and illustrated by Liu Enrong, with poetry written by local calligraphy enthusiasts and carved by Yulin Stone Company. Each piece measures 1.9 meters in length and width, with illustrations and texts for each spot, offering a vivid immersive experience. On both sides of the pathway in front of the tower platform are stone carvings of the twelve zodiac signs. It is said that these zodiac animals were endowed with spiritual energy by the God of Fire, and gently stepping on your own zodiac sign will bring you good fortune and smooth sailing. The front gate plaque of the pavilion features vivid illustrations of the Eight Immortals (known as the Ming Bā Dòng), while the carvings of the symbolic tools of the Eight Immortals on the side of the platform (also called the An Bā Dòng) correspond alternately. Together with the legendary tales of the Eight Immortals, they transport your thoughts into a divine and ethereal realm.

Walking along the pathways lined with green grass, when we approach the naturally formed wonder stone — the “Heart Stone” — be sure to gaze quietly at the words “Xin Zheng” (Heart Righteousness), and silently read them forwards and backwards. This will dispel greed and evil thoughts from our hearts and promote sincerity and integrity. Strolling across the colorful stones interspersed with green grass, the fatigue from climbing the steps seems to vanish through the soles of your feet.

III. High-Platform Waterfall

The High-Platform Waterfall is the premier unique landscape in Jinzhong City. It originates from two pyramid-shaped white marble lotus fountains (in European architectural style, combined with the traditional Chinese stone staircase to create a fusion of East and West), descending over eight-tiered platforms from high to low, from far to near, converging into two cascading waterfalls resembling white silk ribbons. Standing by the jade belt bridge, you can almost feel the sensation of “the Yellow River’s waters coming from the heavens.” When the wind is still and the water calm, the waves are crystal clear, like a mirror or a soft, gentle ribbon fluttered by a fairy. When a light breeze blows, the ripples are intermittent, splashing droplets of water, and the waterfall, framed by a greenbelt of blooming flowers, appears particularly vibrant. Crossing the jade belt bridge and approaching the towering wall of the high platform, through the crystal-clear waters, you can admire the stone-carved depiction of two dragons playing with a pearl amidst turbulent waves, offering a uniquely delightful experience.

IV. Cultural Square

The Cultural Square is a garden-style plaza with an open-air stage. The backdrop of the stage features a large granite relief that condenses over 4,000 years of Zuoyi’s developmental history, divided into five panels: Zhurong Building the City, Ancient Government of Liaozhou, Beacon Fires of Taihang, Blooming Land, and Envisioning the Future. The square’s lighting design is elegant, with windmill lights, stage lights, colorful digital lights, ground lights, and lawn lights installed comprehensively. The columnar colorful digital lights are especially dazzling and ever-changing. Strolling into the floral heart of the plaza and admiring the stone-paved globe inspires thoughts of a bright future; leaping across the red granite ball under the sunset enhances your confidence. In this setting, you can either sing out loud or dance gracefully, fully embracing the freedom of returning to nature and relishing the rare joy of emotional release.

V. Fitness Garden

Also called the Self-Cultivation Garden, it accommodates 22 types of fitness equipment, divided into five zones using flower beds and green spaces, tailored to different age groups. There are seesaws and swings for children, horizontal and parallel bars, and arm strength trainers for young and middle-aged adults, while seniors can stretch their legs, twist their waists, and massage their backs. Whether for morning exercise, cooling off, or socializing with friends, it’s an ideal spot.

VI. Hundred-Meter Corridor

The winding corridor resembles a soaring dragon. The hexagonal pavilion with upturned eaves and carved pillars is like the dragon’s head slowly extending toward the lake, echoing the lakeside pavilion. Strolling along the corridor, you can admire exquisite painted murals inside and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery outside. Resting in the corridor pavilion, you can escape the heat and enjoy the view. To the east lies the Junmiao area encircled by the Wujin Railway; to the north, the industrial new district next to the Ecological Park; to the south, the broad streets accompanied by clusters of buildings — truly a feast for the eyes.

VII. Artificial Lake

High mountains give rise to tranquil lakes. Though the lake is not large (4,000 m²) and the water not deep (1.8 m), the emerald-green water, elegant pavilions, towering fountains, gently swaying boats, and the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) diagram for self-cultivation, all set against the backdrop of the winding corridor, bring vitality and charm to the park. As the ancients said, “Water needs not be deep — with a dragon, it is spiritual.” Whether resting in the pavilion to admire the rippling lake, paddling across the water, or strolling along the shore listening to the sound of oars — how could one not be enchanted and reluctant to leave?

VIII. Sparse Woods and Flowing Water

A pair of inseparable red-crowned cranes take flight from the green lake, landing by the forest stream. They lower their heads to drink, or spray water upward, playing joyfully as they turn a waterwheel, sending droplets flying. The tinkling stream flows through dense woods, crosses a suspension bridge, winds around pavilions, and reaches a man-made rockery, where it quietly seeps out from beneath oddly shaped rocks. Sometimes it meanders gently, other times it cascades down — a thousand postures, indescribably wonderful. The massive rock pile of the rockery, rugged and uniquely shaped, resembles crocodiles, monkeys, or steeds, lying, crouching, or standing, each with its own aesthetic appeal.