Huzhou Xiangwang Park: Heroes are not judged by success or failure

In 202 BC, Xiang Yu was defeated by Liu Bang and was forced to commit suicide. His last words were "I have no face to see the elders of Jiangdong." Li Qingzhao wrote in "Summer Quatrains": Live as a hero, die as a ghost hero. I still think of Xiang Yu, who refused to cross the Yangtze River. Du Mu also wrote a poem titled "Inscription on Wujiang Pavilion": Victory and defeat are unpredictable in military affairs, but it is a manly thing to bear shame and endure humiliation. There are many talented young men in Jiangdong, and it is unknown whether they will make a comeback. According to experts, the "elders of Jiangdong" that Xiang Yu mentioned were not from his hometown of Suqian, but from Huzhou, Zhejiang. Huzhou was called "Gucheng" in ancient times. In 223 BC, Qin changed "Gucheng" to "Wucheng". Xiang Yu came here to avoid his enemies. It happened that Qin Shihuang passed through Wucheng during his eastern tour. Xiang Yu declared that "he can replace him." In 209 BC, Xiang Yu and his uncle killed the governor of Wucheng County and led 8,000 soldiers from Huzhou out of Fengsheng Gate, starting his heroic career against Qin. Because most of the 8,000 soldiers died on the battlefield, Xiang Yu said, "I have no face to see the elders of Jiangdong." Xiang Yu's life was filled with both his invincible hegemony and the tragic end of a hero's life. The "elders of Jiangdong" did not judge a hero by his success or failure, and built the Xiangwang Park on the site of Fengshengmen. Xiangwang Park includes Fengsheng Gate, Xiangwang Corridor, Xiangwang Sculpture, North City Bridge, Xiangwang Wharf and other attractions. In front of Fengsheng Gate, Xiang Yu stood on his horse with his spear in hand, looking very majestic. The North City Bridge, which is opposite the main sculpture of Xiang Yu, is a wind and rain covered bridge that is both simple and beautiful. Xiang Yu Corridor is a relief made of an entire wall, engraved with stories about Xiang Yu's life and some legends in Huzhou. There are two groups of sculptures of horse-drawn chariots on the east and west sides of the City Gate Square. The sides of Fengsheng Gate are carved with soldiers, chariots and the surnames of Jiangdong people. When tourists come here, they seem to still hear the sound of war and battles from the past. In early April, the wisteria flowers climbing on the city wall entered their peak flowering period, attracting many citizens to come and take photos and check in. 📍Detailed address: No. 513 Renmin Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province [MapleLeaf] Ticket price: Free ⏳Reference time: 1 hour