Sijingtang

　　    In fact, Sijingtang is just one well, shaped inside like a “Shaoxing wine jar.” The well is about 7 meters deep, with a maximum diameter of around 3 meters at its widest point. Above the well, four wells were arched from blue bricks, allowing water to be drawn simultaneously from all four openings—hence the name “Sijingtang” or “Four-Eyed Well.”

　　    A four-cornered pavilion has been built over the well, crowned with a ridge standing over three feet high, adorned with carvings of auspicious creatures such as phoenixes, bats, and qilins. Each of the four corners rises proudly and is guarded by a Buddha statue. The surrounding crescent-shaped wall is elegant, tranquil, and full of classic charm.

　　    The marvelous structure of Sijingtang puzzles many people. Sometimes, if you quietly gaze at the water’s surface, you may see “five reflections for one”—your figure mirrored in all four wells. If you shout then, the well will resound mightily, echoing like a lion’s roar. Other times, you might feel utterly alone, your shadow isolated, while the other three wells appear shrouded, exuding an eerie chill. If you sigh regretfully, the response is but a faint echo. Why does this happen? It turns out that when the water level inside the well rises above the arch, the arch divides, making the four wells seem like four independent ones—so only one reflection appears, responding subtly. When the water is below the arch, the reflection remains one, but since it can be seen through all four openings, an optical illusion creates the magical sight of “five reflections for one.” Since the wells share the same wall and interconnected arches, sounds that enter the well resonate like rolling waves, echoing and responding in waves.