"'Biwa Zhuying, the eaves and teeth are empty and enter the fog, the vermilion curtain is flying in the wind and the sun rolls, and the tong is open and colorful.' More than 600 years ago, Zhu Yuanzhang described his imaginary Yuejiang Tower in "The Story of Yuejiang Tower...... "With the vivid narration of Yu Ming, the honorary president of the Nanjing Ancient Capital Society, the old people and children in the audience looked attentive, and the glorious historical picture of Yuejiang Tower appeared in front of them."
In order to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and carry forward the spirit of patriotism and the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation, Nanjing Yuejianglou Scenic Area held a lecture on "The History of Yuejianglou Construction - The Beginning and End of the Construction of Yuejianglou in Nanjing, one of the cultural landmarks of the Yangtze River" on the afternoon of October 1, inviting teacher Yu Ming to tell the legendary construction story of Yuejianglou to the general public, showing Nanjing's rich historical context and cultural heritage. The event was hosted by Nanjing Gulou Cultural Tourism Group and Xiaguan Street, supported by Nanjing Federation of Social Sciences and Nanjing Ancient Capital Society, undertaken by Nanjing Gulou Tourism Operation and Management Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Yuejianglou Scenic Area), co-organized by Xiaguan Past Studio, Puyue Bookstore and Gulou Weixin, and provided academic guidance by Jiangsu Landscape Painting Research Association.
Yu Ming narrates the "past and present life" of Yuejiang Building from the perspectives of "600 years of remembering no building", "history of building 20 years ago", "the significance of contemporary building" and "three mysteries of Yuejiang Building". In 1360, Zhu Yuanzhang set up an ambush on Lulong Mountain, defeated his fierce rival Chen Youliang in one fell swoop, and laid the foundation for unifying the world. In order to commemorate this major victory, he renamed Lulong Mountain Lion Mountain in 1374, issued an edict to build Yuejiang Tower on the top of the mountain, and personally wrote the 1198-word "Yuejiang Tower". However, within a month of the start of construction, the work was halted due to various problems such as celestial phenomena and finances.
More than 600 years ago, the "unfulfilled wish" has always been regretted by future generations. In the 90s of the last century, Yu Ming, then the head of Xiaguan District, wanted to make up for this historical shortcoming, and began to understand the relevant cultural and historical materials of Lion Rock, and began to prepare for the construction of Yuejiang Tower. After many demonstrations and efforts, with the strong support of relevant departments, the project team raised more than 7,800 yuan of funds, and the Yuejiang Building project was officially started in 1998 and officially completed in 2001.
Today, Yuejiang Tower has become a shining cultural landmark on the banks of the Yangtze River. During the National Day, tourists from all over the country climb the Yuejiang Tower and look into the distance, see the rolling river to the east, and the waves are magnificent. "The successful completion and opening of Yuejiang Building has gathered the strength of many parties, reflecting the new era of 'political communication and harmony, cultural tourism and prosperity'. The Yuejiang Tower, which is full of the charm of the ancient capital, gives this famous historical and cultural city a new look. As a construction participant, Yu Ming's heart was full of emotion.
"Why is Yuejiang Tower Biwa Zhuying?" "Why do you want to build a salty pavilion halfway up the mountain?" …… The interactive exchange session received an enthusiastic response, and the audience rushed to ask Yu Ming questions. "We can see Yuejiang Tower every day when we go out, but we don't know the history behind it. Today, I took advantage of the holiday to bring my children to this lecture to learn about the cultural stories at my doorstep. Liu Yan, a resident of Yuejianglou Street, told reporters.
Photo courtesy of Yuejianglou Scenic Area
During the event, Lou Xuyan, executive director of Nanjing Gulou Tourism Operation Management Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Yuejiang Building), presented flowers to Yu Ming. Chen Chen, director of the Xiaguan Sub-district Office, presented volunteer uniforms to Yu Ming. Xu Hui, chairman of Nanjing Gulou Cultural Tourism Group, presented Yu Ming with a letter of appointment as a "Cultural Volunteer of Yuejianglou Scenic Area", and Yu Ming gave back the book "Culture and City".
It is reported that from October 1st to December 31st, the Yuejianglou Scenic Area is also on the third floor of the main building of the Yuejianglou to carry out the Xiaguan Past Calligraphy and Painting Seal Carving Exhibition. With the theme of the following poems, the important historical relics of Yuejiang Tower are highlighted as the object of depiction, so that the general public can deeply understand the history of the northern area of Nanjing.
Jiangnan Times reporter Ji Chuantao