Category: History

Built in 1272 and reborn from the ravages of two devastating fires, these iconic structures were more than architectural wonders; they were the very heartbeat of the capital during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties (1271-1911), regulating the rhythm of daily life for centuries.

Originally, the bell and drum were not intended for timekeeping. These instruments served as musical accompaniments, echoing the melodies of ancient China. However, as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220), their role evolved into something far more essential. The phrase “a morning bell and a dusk drum” became ingrained in the cultural lexicon, signifying their importance in helping people navigate the passage of time.

In ancient times, telling the time by them played an important role in helping Chinese people live and work regularly when there was no other means to keep track of the time.

As a result, these towers became public architectural landmarks and were widely constructed in almost every city throughout the country since the Han Dynasty.

Thus, the towers that housed these instruments became integral public structures, their unique fore-and-aft alignment in Beijing setting them apart from the traditional side-by-side arrangement found elsewhere.

The Bell Tower, a striking brick and stone edifice, commands attention with its two floors, each adorned with arched doors on all four sides. Visitors ascend via stone stairs to the second floor, where stone windows offer glimpses of the city’s expanse.

Here, the largest and heaviest bell in China resides, a colossal copper creation standing 23 feet (7.02 meters) tall and weighing 63 tons. Its resonant, clear sound, produced by two 2-yard-long (2 meters) wooden logs, once echoed across Beijing, marking the hours with a timeless clarity.

South of the Bell Tower, 110 yards (91 meters) away, stands the Drum Tower, perched on a 13-foot-high (4 meters) stone and brick base. Slightly shorter than its counterpart at 153 feet (46.7 meters), it nonetheless exudes a commanding presence. The Drum Tower’s first floor now houses the China Committee for the Promotion of Minority Art, while the second floor serves as an exhibition area.

Historically, this tower contained one large drum and 24 smaller ones; today, only the large drum remains. The intricate rhythm of 108 tolls—three rounds of 18 quick beats followed by 18 slow beats—symbolized a year in ancient times, marking time with a profound significance.

The practice of using the bell and drum for timekeeping ceased after Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, left the Forbidden City. Yet, in a poignant revival of tradition, the bell’s melodious chime returned on New Year’s Eve in 1990, followed by the drum’s resonant beat on New Year’s Eve in 2001. Since January 1, 2002, the drum has been struck four times daily, each session lasting 15 minutes. On every New Year’s Eve, both the bell and drum are struck 108 times, sending a blessing to the people of Beijing and connecting the modern city with its ancient roots.

Throughout their storied history, the Bell and Drum Towers have witnessed the ebb and flow of Beijing’s fortunes. During the Yuan Dynasty, they stood behind the imperial palace, overlooking a bustling downtown district. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the area in front of the Drum Tower had become Beijing’s busiest shopping street. During the Republican Period, the space between the towers teemed with impoverished individuals, handicraft merchants, and snack vendors, creating a vibrant marketplace that drew people from all walks of life.

Today, despite being dwarfed by Beijing’s modern skyscrapers, the Bell and Drum Towers remain the tallest structures in their vicinity, offering breathtaking views of the city’s traditional hutong neighborhoods. The Bell Tower’s 360-degree panoramic view captivates visitors, while the Drum Tower features hourly drum performances that enthrall with their rhythmic precision. However, the ascent to these vantage points requires climbing about 70 steep steps, a challenge not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Between the towers lies a small square, a gathering place where local elders and children from the surrounding hutongs come together, especially in the evenings. Here, amidst the echoes of history, visitors can immerse themselves in the charming local atmosphere, often visiting the towers before or after exploring the narrow alleyways of the hutongs.

Wanfo Pagoda’s reputation for grandeur and beauty spread rapidly across Southeast China, earning it the prestigious title of “Number One Pagoda in Zhejiang.” Its towering presence, with multiple levels and exquisite decoration, made it a focal point in the region. However, during the Anti-Japanese War, the pagoda’s height rendered it a potential lookout point for enemy forces.

To prevent Japanese troops from exploiting its vantage, the pagoda was sadly demolished. Yet, in 1957, the uncovering of its underground chamber revealed 183 precious cultural relics, including the illustrious “Water Moon Guanyin,” now a national first-class cultural treasure.

In 2020, the Wanfo Pagoda was reconstructed, meticulously designed to reflect its Song Dynasty origins while incorporating modern engineering. The new structure standing 99.99 meters tall, boasts hexagonal cornices with nine exterior layers and eight inner layers. Built with a steel-concrete frame, it features traditional Song architectural elements such as caissons, moon-shaped beams, and ornate wall carvings.

This harmonious blend of ancient design and contemporary techniques has positioned Wanfo Pagoda as a benchmark for cultural and architectural excellence in central Zhejiang.

Inside the pagoda, over 7,000 Buddha niches and more than 3,700 brick carvings recreate the spiritual and artistic grandeur of the original structure. The first level houses the majestic Shakyamuni Buddha statue, accompanied by depictions of his ten great disciples. The floor, inlaid with various types of jade, showcases masterful mosaic craftsmanship.

Beneath the pagoda, the underground chamber spans over 1,900 square meters, resembling a small museum. It features murals illustrating Buddha’s life stories and intricately carved wood sculptures by Master Lu Guangzheng, blending Buddhist themes with local Jinhua elements.

This space not only honors the past but also educates visitors on the China’s rich cultural heritage.

By equipping trainees with skills to earn a livelihood, the school not only fosters career development but also ensures the preservation of cultural heritage. Also recognized as the Yixing Dingshu Community Education Center and the Jiangsu Province Ceramic Art Vocational Training Base, this institution transcends conventional education.

It acts as a crucible for creativity, forging a connection between ancient craftsmanship and contemporary industry, thereby establishing its distinct presence in the vocational education landscape.

With an impressive expanse covering nearly 4 hectares and a built-up area exceeding 11,000 square meters, the investment in this educational powerhouse tops RMB 80 million (about US$11 million). Such a commitment speaks volumes of its mission: to not only uphold the rich pottery-making tradition of Dingshu town but also propel it into the future with cutting-edge techniques and a market-driven approach.

According to Jiang Feng, a researcher and craft artist at the Jiangsu Ceramic Art Training Base, the school prides itself on utilizing locally sourced clay unique to the region.

This tradition of transforming clay into vibrant pots is a cherished heritage of the area, passed down and refined through generations.

Jiang Feng explained the evolution of this craft, highlighting the blend of traditional pot-making techniques with modern tools. “This technique has been spread through generations and improved along the process of inheritance,” she notes, underlining the diversity of pots produced, which remain faithful to traditional designs while incorporating contemporary methodologies.

The staff roster is as diverse as it is specialized, with 18 full-time teachers, 24 staff members, and 96 part-time professors. This core team is augmented by more than 260 ceramic art professionals and over 800 volunteers, all dedicated to the school’s dual mission of education and community service. With the capacity to accommodate 1,000 participants at any given time, the school is a bustling hub of learning and creativity.

Central to its philosophy is the motto “Cultivating through Pottery,” a guiding principle that underlines the school’s commitment to an education that is deeply intertwined with the ceramic industry and the local economy. The goal is not just to preserve the ancient pottery culture of Dingshu but to infuse it with new life, offering unique educational features that resonate deeply within the community.

What sets the Yixing Dingshu Adult Culture and Technology School apart is its dedication to developing a community education model characterized by the enchanting “Tea Pot Charm and the Allure of Dingshu.” This model places a strong emphasis on service and public welfare, supporting not only the ceramic industry but also fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Yixing, proudly known as the “Pottery Capital.”

The school’s campus itself is a physical manifestation of its educational ethos. Designed with the freedom and fluidity of creativity in mind, the campus features a mix of workshops and classrooms, each an independent structure linked by semi-outdoor porches.

This design fosters a dynamic environment where ideas and inspirations flow as freely as the materials being molded by the hands of the students. The use of materials like redbrick and fair-faced concrete echoes the earthy essence of pottery, grounding the students’ experiences in the tactile reality of their craft.

Since its establishment three years ago, the Yixing Dingshu Adult Culture and Technology School has not only honored the 2,000-year-old legacy of pottery-making in Dingshu but has also positioned itself as a leader in vocational education. By bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern educational techniques, the school stands as a shining example of how preserving heritage and embracing innovation can go hand in hand, shaping the future of an industry and the community that surrounds it.

{{Théophile Niyitegeka/ Dingshu, China }}

This ancient street, cradled between the serene beauty of Shushan to the east and the flowing grace of the Li River to the west, is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

Positioned in Dingshu Town, Yixing City, Shushan Ancient South Street boasts a unique geographical allure. Its layout, a kilometer of historical path, features a meticulously preserved section that showcases the essence of time-honored architecture and cultural vibrancy.

This segment, adorned with over 900 large slabs of exquisite purple stone, extends for about 370 meters, enveloping visitors in a world where every step tells a story.

The street’s architecture, a harmonious blend of brick and wood, echoes the grandeur of the Ming and Qing dynasties, inviting onlookers to appreciate the intricacies of its design. Here, history breathes through the two-story structures that line the path, each bearing witness to the timeless craft of purple clay pottery.

Shushan Ancient South Street’s significance is further magnified by its role as the cradle of master artisans, whose unparalleled skill in crafting Yixing’s renowned purple sand pottery has been celebrated for centuries.

The legacy of Shushan Ancient South Street is intertwined with the vibrant purple sand culture, a testament to the area’s rich artistic heritage. The street served as a pivotal center for the production and trade of this unique pottery, drawing inspiration from its proximity to Huanglong Mountain’s purple clay resources and the convenient waterway transportation provided by the Li River.

The cultural tapestry of this ancient street is enriched by its connection to Su Dongpo, a revered literati of the Song Dynasty, whose enchantment with the area’s beauty led to the naming of Shushan.

For generations, the artisans of Shushan Ancient South Street have wielded their creativity and skill to produce exquisite purple sand pottery, earning global acclaim for their works.

This tradition of excellence is embodied in the creations of masters such as Gu Jingzhou, Wu Yungen, and Gu Shaopei, whose legacy continues to inspire. Their former residences and the old sites along the street stand as monuments to their genius, offering a glimpse into the soul of Yixing purple sand pottery.

Beyond its artistic contributions, Shushan Ancient South Street’s historical narrative is linked to the pioneering efforts of Fan Li, who established the pottery industry in Dingshu.

Born in the 12th year of King Chuping (517 B.C.), Fan Li was from Wan of Chu State. He was a well-known politician, military strategist and economist in the early period of history.

Fan Li is credited with pioneering pottery production in Ding Shu, where he also spearheaded the construction of a canal. This canal enabled the transportation of pottery to regions north and south of the Yangtze River, and eventually, across the globe. Subsequently, this canal came to be known as the “Li River,” and it stands as one of the principal waterways in Yixing City.

This ancient waterway, integral to the street’s story, symbolizes the flow of culture and tradition through the ages, connecting past to present.

Today, Shushan Ancient South Street beckons travelers to explore its charm and delve into the heart of purple sand culture. It is a place where history, art, and nature converge, offering a unique experience that transcends time.

{{Théophile Niyitegeka/ Yixing , China }}

With its designation as Wuxi City’s fourth 5A-level scenic spot in 2020, the highest recognition for tourist attractions in China, Huishan Ancient Town beckons travelers and history enthusiasts alike to explore its revered grounds.

The essence of Huishan Ancient Town is captured in its four distinct tourist areas: the Historic Sites Zone, the Xihui Scenic Spot, the Historical and Cultural District, and the Mountain Forest Conservation Area. Each area, a chapter from the past, weaves together a narrative spanning thousands of years, solidifying the town’s status as Wuxi’s open-air historical museum and spiritual nucleus for its people.

Boasting over 200 scenic spots and 23 municipal or higher-level cultural heritage sites across 44 locations, the town is a treasure trove of historical jewels. From the Liangzhu Culture Ruins, bearing witness to the Xishan Ancestors, to the tranquil settings of the Huishan Temple Garden from the Northern and Southern Dynasties, each site narrates a unique story of China’s illustrious past.

The town is home to architectural marvels and natural wonders dating back to various Chinese dynasties, including the awe-inspiring Jichang Garden from the Ming Dynasty and the serene Second Spring from the Tang Dynasty, each a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of their time.

Huishan Ancient Town’s allure is further magnified by its association with Chinese emperors and literary giants. The town was a favored retreat for Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, who left behind a rich legacy of poems and anecdotes during their visits.

The famous quote by Emperor Qianlong, “Only Huishan Mountain appears elegant, leisurely and quiet,” serves as a timeless endorsement of the town’s serene beauty. This scenic area also resonates with the words of Su Shi, whose verse celebrates the town’s natural splendor.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Huishan Ancient Town is a hub of traditional Chinese arts and tea making performances that offer a glimpse into China’s rich ceremonial heritage.

The town’s cultural impact extends beyond its boundaries, with local crafts such as Huishan clay figures and Huishan cakes embodying the essence of this ancient town.

Visiting Huishan Ancient Town is made convenient by Wuxi’s modern transportation network, with easy access from major city points ensuring that the journey to this historic gem is as smooth as the serene waters of its ancient springs.

Huishan Ancient Town is not just a destination; it’s an immersive experience that transports visitors through time, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of Chinese civilization.