Huaiyang Reading Platform

　　The Reading Platform was built by Su Zhe (also known as Su Ziyu), a literary giant of the Song Dynasty and one of the "Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song," and served as his place for reading scriptures and reciting poetry. Su Zhe was the younger brother of Su Shi (also known as Su Dongpo). Due to his brother’s opposition to Wang Anshi’s reforms, Su Zhe was implicated and demoted to the position of educational instructor in Chenzhou (equivalent to today’s director of education). Refusing an official stipend, Su Zhe personally constructed a boat-shaped hut on the high ground of Willow Lake in the northwest corner of Longhu Lake. This symbolized “a small boat in the official sea,” and he planted lotuses around it, symbolizing “emerging unstained from the mud.” He used this retreat for study and self-cultivation in pursuit of his ideals. Frustrated in his official career, he found solace in books. His elder brother, Su Dongpo, also visited Chenzhou many times, and the two often composed poetry and songs here, leaving behind numerous renowned essays and verses in Chenzhou. The Reading Platform is located in Willow Lake to the north of the county town.

　　Source: Huaiyang Government Website