Xuanwu Square

　　    The theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements in China originated before the Shang and Zhou dynasties. By the Qin and Han periods, based on the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theories, totems were integrated with the Five Elements, giving rise to the Five Spirits and the Four Divine Beasts.

　　    The Five Spirits are: the Dragon, the Phoenix, the Qilin (Chinese unicorn), the Tiger, and the Tortoise-Snake.

　　    The Four Divine Beasts are: the Vermilion Bird (Phoenix) in the front (south), governing fire.

　　    the Black Tortoise (Tortoise-Snake) in the back (north), governing water.

　　    the Azure Dragon (Canglong) in the left (east), governing wood.

　　    the White Tiger in the right (west), governing metal.

　　    Xuanwu refers to the Xuanwu Emperor, who presides over the north and water-related affairs.

　　    Analyzing Xuanwu through mythology and folklore, it is believed to be Chiyou or Gonggong, depicted as a snake with a rooster’s comb coiled around a tortoise.

　　    The Hetu (River Chart) and Luoshu (Luo Book) in the study of the I Ching are divinatory texts used for observing celestial phenomena, reflecting the orientation of the Big Dipper’s handle to calculate agricultural seasons. Therefore, another meaning of Xuanwu is supreme. Moreover, in the heavens, Xuanwu resides in the central enclosure of the Three Enclosures—the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, also called the Central Palace or Mysterious Palace, which includes constellations such as Ursa Minor, Draco, Canes Venatici, Boötes, Hercules, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Perseus, and Camelopardalis.

　　    Xuanwu also represents the primitive totem worship of northern ethnic groups. For example, Kuafu (or "Fu") in the legend of Kuafu Chasing the Sun was actually a northern ethnic group that once waged war against the Yellow Emperor. The reason Kuafu died from exhaustion while chasing the sun was that within the Arctic Circle during summer, the sun never sets, making it impossible for Kuafu to catch up with the sun and leading to his collapse.

　　    Many ancient texts record the northern ethnic groups’ worship of the tortoise and snake, such as the “Classic of Mountains and Seas.”

　　    Xuanwu Square is located at the exit of Arctic Village — Arctic Sandbar, where a sculpture representing Xuanwu stands. People say, “If you can’t find the north, find Xuanwu.” In Arctic Village, you can find both the north and Xuanwu.