Ancient Xiamound Ruins

Xiamound, also known as Fuxia, lies 18 li southeast of Puyang County, to the west of Gudui Mound. This is the very place recorded in ancient classics as the location where Emperor Shun conducted seasonal affairs at Fuxia and where Zengzi offered his condolences at Fuxia.

The mound rises abruptly, surrounded by clear waters dotted with lotus flowers, where ducks play leisurely on the surface. Walk along the southern dike and climb the stone steps, and you will be greeted by stone lions at the entrance. Two steles stand on either side: one inscribed Ancient Xiamound Ruins and the other Record of Xiamound. Both were erected by Li Fuqing, the prefect, in the ninth year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty.

At the center stands a small temple enshrining a statue of the Goddess of Mercy. The courtyard is shaded by lush trees and lined with numerous stone tablets. Hanging on the east and west side halls are portraits of the Ten Heavenly Kings. Further back stands the main hall, a three-bay building supported by stone pillars under tall eaves and adorned with exquisite carvings. Inside, heavy curtains hang low and banners are aloft. Two rows of six goddess statues stand gracefully, wearing phoenix crowns and embroidered robes, bearing a resemblance to the Goddess Bixia of Fuqiu. Murals of various deities and embroidered plaques cover the side walls. In old times, local villagers came here to pray for blessings and children.

Behind the main hall is a sleeping hall. A sloped path leads to a smaller mound on the west. This scenic beauty has endured for thousands of years.

Records of Kaizhou Prefecture compiled in the Jiajing reign notes: "Xiamound is eighteen li south of the prefecture seat. It is five zhang high and fifteen zhang wide from east to west and north to south. Attached to its west is a smaller mound three zhang tall."

The Book of Rites · Tan Gong Part One records: "Gongshu Wenzi climbed Xiamound, accompanied by Qu Boyu. Wenzi sighed, 'What a delightful mound! I wish to be buried here after my death.' Boyu replied, 'If you love this place so much, I would ask to precede you.'" This shows that as early as the Spring and Autumn Period, the site was favored by nobles and dignitaries as a scenic overlook, known as an ancient pleasure garden.

Archaeological excavations have unearthed pottery shards dating back to the Longshan Culture, Erlitou Culture, as well as the Shang and Zhou dynasties, indicating that this place was likely an ancient tribal settlement. Its graceful scenery is unparalleled across Puyang.

Record of Xiamound describes the landscape: "Viewed from afar, the mound stands towering and solitary. Upon drawing near, dense trees interweave shade and clear streams wind around. Cross the stone bridge and stand before the temple gate, and the boundless wilderness stretches out for a thousand li. On clear days with cloudless skies, the Liyang Giant Mound to the west is visible with distinct trees and rocks, while Mount Tai to the southeast looms faintly amid mist and clouds."

It also reads: "Chanyuan lies in the heart of the Central Plains. The land here is flat and expansive, lacking lofty mountains and great hills. This mound rises alone from the ground, making it a remarkable scenic spot. Stretching fifteen zhang in width and linked by a sloped path to the smaller western mound, the compound is furnished with palaces, temples and pavilions. Yet there are no shrines dedicated to Wenzi and Boyu, nor rest areas for visitors, which is truly regrettable. It would be wonderful to build a shrine honoring the two virtuous men and erect multi-story verandas on the smaller mound, with wide open windows for rest and sightseeing."

A Qing-dynasty poem depicts the scenery: "For a hundred li the flat land spreads far and wide; / In autumn equinox, trees still keep most their green. / The streamside view is like a painted scene; / A traveler crosses the small bridge with his boy."

The landscape is as charming as a paradise. No wonder Gongshu Wenzi wished to spend his eternal rest here.