Did Zhao Tuo, the King of Nanyue, ever imagine his well would become a Guangzhou landmark? Here at Yuewangjing, or the King’s Well, we uncover a story spanning millennia. This unassuming well, nestled within the Guangdong Academy of Sciences, whispers tales of ancient kingdoms, thirsty emperors, and the enduring spirit of Guangzhou. Yuewangjing, also known as the Nine-Eyed Well, started its life as a source of pure, sweet water, dug by Zhao Tuo himself. He ruled the Nanyue Kingdom, which included Guangzhou, over 2,200 years ago. Legend claims he lived past 100, his vitality linked to the well’s refreshing water, rich in calcium bicarbonate. Imagine the scene centuries later, during the Southern Han dynasty. The reigning king, seeking to privatize this precious resource, declared Yuewangjing his personal well, forbidding commoners from drawing water. He built walls around it, stationing guards to enforce his decree. Punishment for those who disobeyed? Forty lashes. Even the Song dynasty emperor couldn’t resist the lure of Yuewangjing. He monopolized the well, reserving its sweet water for himself and the elite, much to the chagrin of ordinary citizens. But Yuewangjing’s story isn’t just about royal decrees and exclusivity. For most of its history, it quenched the thirst of Guangzhou’s people. During the Ming dynasty, it was celebrated as one of the city’s ten finest springs. To make the well more accessible, a nine-holed stone cover was added during the Song dynasty, giving it the name “Nine-Eyed Well”. Fast forward to the 20th century. As late as the 1950s, locals still drew water from Yuewangjing. Its water, so prized for tea brewing in local tea houses, even lent its name to the nearby Qingquan Street, or “Clear Spring Street”. Although no longer a source of drinking water, Yuewangjing stands as a testament to Guangzhou’s enduring history. It’s a quiet reminder of the city’s past, its connection to ancient rulers, and its people’s reliance on this simple well.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to