Ningbo's Liangzhu Cultural Park. /宁波梁祝文化公园。[Photo by Tang Yan] 唐严 摄
By Jin Lu
Ningbo's Liangzhu Cultural Park is a beautiful park equipped with a variety of facilities and services. It has hosted multiple editions of the National Liangzhu Love Festival.
宁波梁祝文化公园风景秀丽,休闲娱乐活动众多,拥有完善的配套服务,曾多次举办盛会——中国梁祝爱情节。
In the area where the Park is located, there used to be a temple commemorating Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the "Butterfly Lovers" from Chinese mythology. Locals would hold a festival every year in the eighth lunar month to honor their everlasting love.
Local historical records claim that there really was a man named Liang Shanbo who studied alongside a woman named Zhu Yingtai in his youth. Liang served as the magistrate of Yinxian (present-day Yinzhou) for three years, then fell fatally ill due to excessive physical strain after overseeing a local flood control project. Liang asked to be buried at Jiulongxu, which is where the Park stands today.
The discovery of Liang Shanbo's tomb and archeological artefacts at the Park adds more credibility to the legend.
现古墓遗址和出土文物已被发掘,为这个传说增添了可信度。
Over the years, the Park has hosted numerous events celebrating the Butterfly Lovers' tale, including the National Liangzhu Love Festival, the Liangzhu Love Carnival, the Liangzhu Commemoration Stamp Issue Ceremony, the Liangzhu Blind Date, the Liangzhu Matchmaking Fair, and the Liangzhu Cultural Festival.
If you are interested in this traditional tale of immortal love, the Liangzhu Cultural Park is definitely worth a visit. It delights visitors from all over the world with its unique charm.