february-2011

CLOCKWISE
FROM FAR LEFT:
the spectacular
Impression, Liu Sanjie
musical; enter the
princedom (AND
INSET); in Zhuang
County you can see
rice terraces like a
dragon’s spine and get
your chilli chopped;
a Yao women’s
performance
THE JINGJIANG PRINCE CITY
Apart from the myths that were passed down
through the generations, a certain manmade
structure also withstood the test of time. The
Jingjiang Prince City, which was erected in
1368, still stands today. Back then, it was the
home of a Chinese prince named Jingjiang. He
was the grandson of the great Zhu Yuanzhang,
the founder and fi rst emperor of the Ming
Dynasty. Today, however, the site stands
as a fraction of the campus in Guangxi
Normal University.
When you walk across the grounds of this
former city, there’s a distinct sense of peace
and tranquility. Perhaps it has something
to do with its setting around the Solitary
Beauty Peak. Apparently, the placement of
the city was in accordance to the positions
of the mountain and river. Such detail was
incorporated into the architectural blueprint to
promote good feng shui.
Historical scenarios are also acted
out in authentic settings. Engaging
presentations off er a glimpse into the life
of the royal members whom once walked
along those halls.
A fun activity to participate in is sitting in for
a mock exam. During the Qing Dynasty, the
mansion served as the imperial examination
hall. Those small cubicles that acted as the
exam rooms have been preserved to this very
day. All you have to do is pick up the feather
quill, dip it in black ink and write away to
become an offi cial. Now who wouldn’t want to
be a prince for a day?
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011 43