Wengong Hill

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2011-09-20

The forest coverage rate of Wengong Hill reaches 99 percent with an atmospheric environmental quality far superior to the national first level standard.

Wengong Hill is located west of Wuyuan county, only 27 km away from the county site.

The main peak of Wengong Hill is 315 meters high above sea level. The forest coverage rate reaches 99 percent with an atmospheric environmental quality far superior to the national first level standard. It boasts a variety of valuable tree species – the natural broad-leaved forest blots out the sky; and trees let off “phytoncidere” which can lower blood pressure, and kill pathogens of tuberculosis, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, diphtheria, etc. The hill is hence an ideal place to enjoy a “forest bath”.

Wengong Hill boasts a variety of valuable tree species.

It is an ideal place to enjoy a “forest bath”.

A sugar-sized particle, locally named “wengong cap” grows in the hillside, which is actually a kind of ore. It is said to be good for health when crushed and made into tea.

The ancient Post Road lies in the distance, rich in cultural heritage and helpful with self-cultivation. The road is still functioning well today.

Along the Wengong Lake there are well-built wooden cabins. Rafts and fishing boats are also available for visitors. Pheasants and swallowtails will occasional appear in the forest.

Along the Wengong Lake there are well-built wooden cabins. Rafts and fishing boats are also available for visitors.

Hanquan Jingshe was once the dwelling place as well as the classroom of Zhu Xi (1130-1200). Zhu Xi was born on October 18, 1130, in Fujian province. He was a Confucian scholar who became a leading figure at the School of Principle and the most influential rationalist Neo-Confucian in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

On both sides of the house there are cedars planted by Zhu. He planted 24 cedars around the graveyard in line with feng shui (geomantic omen), implying “24 filial piety” in ancient tales. Today, 18 cedars are still there after 800 years. The highest cedar stands at 38.7 meters and the widest has a truck circumference of 3.07 meters. Here are also some memorial halls commemorating Zhu Xi's life and his writings.

The Memorial Hall of Zhu Xi