Wanfu Square

Wanfu Square

The Wanfu Wall, standing in Wanfu Square of Fuyong Town, Bao’an District, Shenzhen, has gradually become a major attraction in the city, drawing numerous visitors who come to touch the various styles of the Chinese character “Fu” (meaning fortune or blessing) inscribed on it, hoping to absorb some of its good luck. Some tour guides even specifically lead groups here to touch the “Fu.” Completed in 1999, the Wanfu Wall is 130 meters long, 5.67 meters high, and over 10 centimeters thick. It stands in the central square of Fuyong Town. Made from red purple clay fired at high temperatures, the entire relief is composed of 8,833 pieces of purple clay tiles, weighing approximately 110,000 kilograms. It features more than 10,000 “Fu” characters in various scripts — from the earliest pictographs to bell-and-drum inscriptions, cursive, official, and seal scripts — making it the world’s largest purple clay relief artwork featuring the most “Fu” characters. In 2000, it was recorded in the Guinness World Records. It is understood that most of the “Fu” characters on the wall were created by folk artists. They include calligraphy from ancient emperors, such as one “Fu” character by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, representing half of the character — symbolizing his rule over only half of the country at the time. There is also a “Fu” bestowed by Emperor Qianlong to official Liu Yong as a 71st birthday gift, as well as a “Fu” character by the ancient master calligrapher Wang Xizhi. Calligraphy of the “Fu” character by leaders of New China can also be found on the Wanfu Wall.

Transportation: Bus route 752.

Guangdong, Shenzhen