Off-the-Beaten-Path Destination | Lingbi, Suzhou, Travel While You're Young

-When you come to Suzhou, you must visit Lingbi- Lingbi County was established in the first year of Yuanyou during the Northern Song Dynasty. It is a famous ancient county known for over a thousand years, named for its 'spiritually beautiful landscape and all rocks being as precious as jade bi.' This beautiful and magical land has been home to numerous historical relics since the Neolithic period. It is the birthplace of China's strange stone culture, the ancient battlefield of the decisive battle between Chu and Han, and the hometown of the mythical figure Zhong Kui. It is renowned for the saying, 'Strange stones, Yu Ji, and Zhong Kui paintings, the three treasures of Lingbi are the best in the world.' -Lingbi Strange Stone Cultural Park- 'A stone from Lingbi is a wonder in the world, with a sound like bronze and a color like jade. Lush and beautiful in all seasons, with misty hills of green, a treasure descended to earth, how majestic.' This poem by Song Dynasty's Fang Yan praises the Lingbi stone. The Lingbi stone is fine and smooth, with a texture like creamy jade, rough and rugged in shape, and ancient in charm, combining quality, sound, form, and color. Once known as 'the best stone in the world,' it is a nationally protected geographical indication product. -Lingbi Yu Ji Cultural Park- The Battle of Gaixia, the Ambush on All Sides, the Song of Chu on All Sides, the Farewell of the King... These classic stories all took place in Lingbi. 'With the strength to pull up mountains and the spirit to cover the world, when the time is against us, my steed does not advance. If my steed does not advance, what can I do, oh Yu, oh Yu, what can I do?' These words of despair by the King of Chu, Xiang Yu, have been passed down through the ages. -Lingbi County Zhong Kui Cultural Park- From ancient times to the present, Zhong Kui has always been regarded as the omnipotent god of exorcising demons and has been worshipped by people. The people of Lingbi have been painting Zhong Kui since the Tang Dynasty. After more than a thousand years of development, it has deeply rooted in folk customs and is embedded in folklore. In 2003, the Ministry of Culture awarded the title of 'Hometown of Chinese Folk Art (Zhong Kui Painting)'.