Chadian Park

　　Chadian Temple is a renowned historical attraction on the outskirts of Jiangmen City, situated at the foot of Wumaiguicang Mountain in Waizhai Town, Jianghai District, approximately ten kilometers from the city center. It is a serene and picturesque destination. Legend has it that during his travels through southern China, the Tang Dynasty astronomer and eminent monk Yixing once came here to observe celestial phenomena and map the stars. He built a small thatched hut to live in, making a living by growing tea, and named the humble abode "Chadian" (Tea Hut).

　　The monk Yixing, whose secular name was Zhang Sui (682–727 AD), was a great ancient Chinese astronomer, celebrated alongside luminaries such as Zu Chongzhi, Zhang Heng, and Li Shizhen. Throughout his life, Yixing dedicated himself to the study of astronomy and geography, traveling across the country. In the early Shenglong era of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, he visited Xinhui County and was captivated by Wumaiguicang Mountain in Waizhai. He decided to set up a thatched hut at the mountain’s foot, where he spent his nights observing the stars, drawing star maps, and conducting in-depth research on astronomy, geography, and meteorology.

　　The local residents around Chadian held the monk Yixing in high esteem for his knowledge and character. During the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, a successful scholar-official named Chen Wude from Waizhai greatly admired Yixing’s reputation and virtuous deeds. He proposed the construction of a brick-and-tile temple as a lasting memorial, naming it after Yixing’s humble dwelling—“Chadian.” Since then, the temple became known as “Chadian Temple,” and the name has endured to this day.

　　Not far in front of Chadian Temple stands an elegantly aged memorial archway inscribed with the four large characters “Xiao Zhumingdong” (Little Brilliant Cave). Originally, “Zhumingdong” refers to a famous scenic spot on Mount Luofu. People believed that this place rivaled Luofu’s Zhumingdong in beauty, while also possessing its own tranquil and refined charm, hence the name “Little Brilliant Cave.” On the back of the archway are carved the two bold characters “Foxing” (Buddha’s Realm), giving visitors the sense that they have entered a serene and spiritually uplifting Buddhist domain.

　　A short walk from the “Little Brilliant Cave” archway, there is a well beside which stands a stone tablet inscribed with the words “Longxi First Spring”—this is the renowned “Leafless Well.” Legend has it that the well was dug by the monk Yixing. With a diameter of just over one foot and a depth of more than five feet, the well produces clear, sweet, and delicious spring water. Tea brewed with this water is especially fragrant and unique in flavor. The well also has a distinctive feature: its surroundings are covered with…

　　 Guangdong Province, Jiangmen City