Zigong Shuangxi

　　     Introduction to Zigong Shuangxi        Shuangxi is the confluence of Wufeng River and Shoushui River. It is a place of exceptional feng shui, located about 2 kilometers west of Rong County at the source of the Xushui River. In earlier times, this area had the “Shuge,” an ancient library of Rongzhou; the “Shuangxi Wangshi Stone Cave,” also known as the “Earth Immortal Cave” inscribed by Huang Tingjian of the Northern Song Dynasty; and the plum trees beloved by Lu You, a Southern Song poet and former Tongpan (deputy prefect) of Rongzhou. It was the scenery, historic sites, libraries, and plum blossoms of Shuangxi that attracted Lu You to frequently visit for “evening climbs,” “small banquets,” and “plum blossom outings.” He left behind many renowned poems here. However, by that time, Shuangxi had gradually taken on a desolate and lonely appearance, prompting Lu You to write, “In the barren mulberry fields, alien grass sprouts; at the deserted ferry, idle boats gather evening crows.” Though he devoted his life to the nation and its people, championing agriculture, little could he have imagined that centuries later, water conservancy projects would be developed in Shuangxi.

　　      Zigong, Sichuan