The Former Splendor Returns: Completion of the First of Quanzhou's Eight Ancient Scenery, Xia Shan Cong Zhu
Less than 10 acres of land carries a series of chapters of history, serving as a window for the 'dialogue' of Quanzhou's past and present. Entering the newly rebuilt 'Xia Shan Cong Zhu' (Small Mountain Bamboo Grove), it presents a vibrant and lush scene, with dense and abundant flowers and grass.
It is reported that as one of the 'Eight Ancient Scenery' in Quanzhou and one of the 'Seven Key Projects' – 'One Garden' – Xia Shan Cong Zhu Park, its reconstruction project has attracted much attention. After more than a year of work, thanks to the efforts of all parties, Xia Shan Cong Zhu's Phase One has recently been completed, presenting a new look to the public.
'Restoration to Original' Garden
Stone Archway
Preserving the original core landscape
Zhu Xi's 'Unparalleled Shrine' LecturesOne of the Origins of Quanzhou's Literary Culture
Xia Shan Cong Zhu is located in the north of Quanzhou City. In the Tang Dynasty, it was built to commemorate 'the Ancestor of Chinese Literature,' Ou Yang Zan. In the Northern Song Dynasty, a hall was built beside the shrine to become 'Xia Shan Cong Zhu Academy.' During the Southern Song Dynasty, Zhu Xi frequently visited the academy to give lectures and build pavilions while planting bamboo and inscribings. In modern times, the Great Master Hong Xiuqing also lectured and inscribed here. Particularly since the Southern Song Dynasty, officials and literary figures traveling through Quanzhou would inevitably visit 'Xia Shan Cong Zhu' to pay homage to Zhu Xi. Therefore, the garden gained fame throughout China and is one of the key origins of Quanzhou's literary culture.
There is a stone stele in front of the Stone Archway, inscribed with the fact that the Southern Song Dynasty famous scholar Zhu Xi frequently lectured at 'Unparalleled Shrine.' Afterwards, descendants remembered his kindness by planting bamboo, building pavilions, and lecturing within the site.
Adjacent to 'Unparalleled Shrine' are three old houses, which are 'Wan Qing Room,' the last residence of the eminent monk Hongyi.The original Xia Shan Cong Zhu Academy was a folk academy, initially built in the Northern Song Dynasty, and later became famous because Zhu Xi lectured there. Together with Quanshan Academy, Shijing Academy and Ou Yang Academy, it is one of the 'Five Academies of Wenling'.
Protect and restore 'Original to Original'
'Thousand-Year-Old Xia Shan Cong Zhu' Regains Light
In order to recreate the former glory, the construction of Xia Shan Cong Zhu Historical Culture Park has been carefully planned. Based on the starting points of 'protection and restoration' and the initial intention of creating a high-quality cultural park, the design team visited Quanzhou planning expert consultant groups, the Fuzhou Commission, the Museum, and folk literary and historical experts to collect a large number of textual and photographic materials, protecting and repairing the preservation and restoration plan largely mirrored the historical appearance of Xia Shan Cong Zhu. The construction of ancient buildings invited a team of inheritors of Fujian traditional folk houses construction techniques, who were involved in the design and construction, and adopted the 'Original to Original' approach to strive to recreate the appearance of the time.
In order to better restore the historical environment, a group of garden experts was established, from the selection and configuration of seedlings, tree shape and other aspects of a hierarchical review, on the basis of retaining the original existing trees, to create a core landscape dominated by bamboo. In terms of seedling configuration, the main emphasis was placed on 'Xia Shan Cong Zhu's' bamboo culture, striving to create a serene and elegant atmosphere.
