Dongshan Town is a renowned place for its abundance of fruits, rice and aquatic products. It enjoys the name of “the hometown of Biluochun tea” and “the hometown of Taihu Lake crabs.” Moreover, Dongshan has been awarded quite a few national honors such as “China’s Famous Historical and Cultural Town,” “Town with Beautiful Environment in China,” “National 4A-Level Tourist Attraction,” “National Health Town,” “National Designated Filming Locations,” and “Town of Documentary Town — Dongshan China.”
Dongshan has 12 administrative villages and 184 natural villages, among which Luxiang Village, Yangwan Village, and Sanshan Village are famous historical and cultural villages in China. Luxiang Village, Yangwan Village, Sanshan Village, and Wengxiang Village are listed among traditional Chinese villages.
Located on the southeastern beach of Taihu Lake, Dongshan is in the southwest of Suzhou, thirty-seven kilometers away from the old city area of Suzhou. Dongshan is surrounded by water on three sides and connected to dry land on one side. Across the Lake, it faces Wujiang District in the east, Huzhou of Zhejiang Province in the south, Xishan Island of Wuzhong District in the west, and Suzhou Taihu National Tourist Resort in the north. The town borders on Linhu Town in the northeast.
Dongshan’s History
In the eleventh year of Emperor Jing’s reign of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (509 BC), Wu Zixu had the City of Suzhou built. In those days, Dongshan belonged to the State of Wu. In the 25th year of Qin Shi Huang’s reign (222 BC), Kuaiji Commandery was established to govern Wu County, and Dongshan was under the County’s jurisdiction. In the Tang Dynasty, Dongshan became a designated town. In the first year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign in the Qing Dynasty (1736), Taihu Ting (“Ting” refers to a sub-prefecture.) was set in Dongshan. The sub-prefecture was abolished and Dongshan again belonged to Wu County. In 1953, Zhenze County was established and had jurisdiction over Dongshan. In 1959, Zhenze County was abolished and merged into Wuxian County. Then Dongshan belonged to Wuxian County for another time. In February 2001, Wuxian City was abolished and divided into Wuzhong District and Xiangcheng District. Dongshan is under the jurisdiction of Wuzhong District of Suzhou since then.
Places of Historic Interest
Dongshan enjoys rich culture and a time-honored history. The town is home to many ancient buildings and relics such as the Qiyuan Garden, the Nanmu Hall, the Huihe Hall, and the Lingyuan Temple, etc. It also boasts in a batch of key cultural relics units under national protection, including the Chunzai Tower, the Xuanyuan Palace, the painted Arhats in the Zijin Temple, the Mingshan Hall, the Huaiyin Hall, and the Ningde Hall. In addition, the Yuhua Scenic Area, the Moli Peak and other natural wonders make the landscape in Dongshan irresistibly appealing to visitors.
The Chunzai Tower is commonly known as the Engraving Building, whose main body is covered with carvings in the typical Su-style brick carving in Dongshan area.
The Xuanyuan Palace, built in the second year of Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, flourished during the Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty.
The painted Arhats in the Zijin Temple is said to be carved by Lei Chao and his wife, who were renowned folk sculptors in the Southern Song Dynasty.
The Daixinwan Bridge winds along Taihu Lake resembling a gentling bending jade belt by the lakeside.
Dongshan’s Hall of Fame
With its cultural atmosphere, Dongshan has nurtured numerous talented people. No wonder many refer to the town as “the village of Jinshi, and the town of professors.” During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, there were two scholars who ranked top in the national imperial examination, one ranked third in the exam, and 56 scholars who succeeded in the provincial imperial examination. In contemporary days, Dongshan has four academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, over 400 scholars and professors. The Dongshan Local Chronicles and Celebrities Museum holds the exhibition involving over 900 famous figures throughout the town’s history.
Wang Ao (1449—1524)
Wang Ao, whose courtesy name was Jizhi and literary name Shouxi, ranked first in the provincial examination in the tenth year of the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty (1474). In the following year’s metropolitan examination, Wang still ranked top. In the palace examination, he ranked third and was appointed as a compiler in the Imperial Academy. Later, he was promoted to the position of Grand Secretary of the Wuying Palace, and later Junior and Senior Tutor to the prince. In the fourth year of Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty (1509), he resigned and returned to his hometown due to dissatisfaction with Liu Jin’s monopoly of power. Wang Ao’s tomb is now listed as a cultural relics unit under municipal protection of Suzhou.
Ye Mengde (1077—1148)
Ye Mengde, whose courtesy name was Shaoyun and literary name Hermit Shilin, is one of the ancestors of the Ye family in Dongshan. In the fourth year of the Shaosheng era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1097), he passed the imperial examination and became a famous politician, strategist, and man of letters. Ye Mengde served four emperors, namely Emperor Zhezong, Emperor Huizong, Emperor Qinzong, and Emperor Gaozong. He was once appointed as the Left Prime Minister. His major works included Jiankang Collection, Poetry of Shilin, and Shilin Notes on Poets and Poetry.
Wu Yixing (1582—1652)
Wu Yixing with the courtesy name of Youke was a native of Dongshan. He was a medical expert in the late Ming Dynasty. In the 14th year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1641), a plague struck the country. Wu argued that “previous treatments are not suitable for today’s diseases.” Wu introduced the theory of bad air. He believed the bad air, which was invisible, inaudible and undetectable, to be the cause of the plague. It entered the human body via the mouth and nose and affected people. His On Plague contributed significantly to the enrichment and development of understanding and treating plagues.
Literature
Literary creation in Dongshan formally began in the Tang and Song Dynasties and reached its peak in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There have been thousands of poems and collections of essays by great writers native to Dongshan.
Scenic Spots and Specialties of Dongshan
Biluochun Tea
The cultivation of tea in Dongshan has a history of over 1,000 years. The town is thus known as the birthplace of Biluochun tea. Dongting Biluochun, originally described as “startling fragrance,” has become increasingly famous since Emperor Kangxi bestowed the present name to it in the Qing Dynasty. In 2003, Dongshan as the geographical origin of Dongting Biluochun tea was approved by the national authorities. To better protect this status, the town government has introduced a set of brand management measures such as “anti-counterfeiting supervision”, the establishment of professional cooperatives, and registration of trademarks. In 2009, Dongting Biluochun became a famous brand with geographical indications. The tea with pleasant and fragrant aroma is renowned both at home and abroad. The production of Biluochun tea in Dongshan involves six steps, demanding much human labor and costing dearly.
Loquats
Dongshan is one of the four major loquat production areas in China. Cultivation of loquats in Dongshan can be traced back to the Song Dynasty. Baisha Loquat grown in Dongshan features thin peel, white and delicate texture, and abundant juice. The flavor is rich but not sickeningly sweet. The loquat has been known as the “gold and silver honey pot” since ancient times. Dongshan Baisha loquat can be further divided into over ten sub-varieties such as Zhaozhong, Qingzhong, Huizhong, Baiyu, and Guanyu. It was awarded the title of “Famous-Brand Agricultural Product in Jiangsu” in 2007. At the fourth annual conference of the National Loquat Association, it won the title of “China’s Top Ten High-Quality Loquats” via the “Taihu Dongshan Cup” Appraisal. From 2010 to 2012, Dongshan Guanyu Loquat won the gold medal in Jiangsu Quality Fruit Competition for three years on end.
Bayberries
The cultivation of Yangmei (or Chinese bayberries, scientifically classified as Myrica rubra) in Dongshan has a long history. There are 12 varieties, among which the one called Wuzi bears the largest and sweetest fruits with the color of very deep purple. Dongshan Yangmei was awarded the title of “Top Ten Quality Yangmei in China” in 2008.
Taihu Lake Crabs
Taihu Lake Crab bred in Dongshan is one of the famous freshwater crabs in China. With its vast breeding area and large production, Dongshan is “China’s Town of Taihu Lake Crabs.” Large and fleshy with fine roes, these crabs are delicious and have high nutritional value.
Taihu Water Shield
Taihu Water Shield, a marsh herbaceous plant, is a unique native aquatic plant in Dongshan. It is also called the “aquatic Biluochun.” The tender stems and leaves of Water Shield are rich in starch, protein, fat and vitamins, and therefore, very nutritious. The plant can be used for medicinal purposes as well. In 1999, Taihu Water Shield was listed as one of the key agricultural wild plants under national protection.
Dongshan Lake Sheep
The lake sheep bred in Dongshan is a key local specialty, characteristic of tender and delicious meat and little odor. In 2008, Dongshan Lake Sheep was selected as one of the first batch of species into the List of Genetic Resources of Livestock and Poultry under National Protection. In 2014, “Dongshan Lake Sheep” was awarded the trademark featuring “Geographical Indication of P. R. China.”
Local Customs and Events
Mighty General’s Service
Legend has it that a courageous native, bearing the surname Liu, risked his own life to drive away locusts. Liu became a general later and was given the title “Mighty General.” Since the Ming Dynasty, local people have worshipped the Mighty General in Dongshan and his statue has been set widely around the town. This local god is worshipped in every household in all the villages. People pray for his protection from disasters and his blessing of favorable weather. The “Meng Jiang Hui” (meaning “Mighty General’s Service”) in Dongshan is usually held during the Spring Festival. In June 2013, the event was included in Suzhou’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Tai Ge (Mobile Stage Shows)
Tai Ge (“台阁”, meaning “the stage in a cabinet”), also known as Tai Ge (“抬阁”, meaning “the stage carried on the shoulder”), is a kind of traditional road show, involving acrobatic performances in the air whose performers are children aged 5 to 8. Dongshan’s Tai Ge shows began in the Song Dynasty and reached its peak during Emperor Kangxi’s reign of the Qing Dynasty (1662—1722). As a treasure of folk art in Dongshan, this art form was included in Jiangsu’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in June 2006.
The Moli Temple Fair begins on the 18th day of the sixth lunar month every year. Visitors will gather at the Moli Peak to worship Guanyin (or “Avalokitesvara”) and pray for happiness.
The Fengshan Temple Lotus Festival is held annually on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month at the Fengshan Temple in Dongshan.
The unique environment lends great natural beauty to Dongshan. Rich historical and cultural heritage and abundant natural resources make the town a place people yearn to visit.
