On October 11, the “Autumn Poetry Unending, Frosty Leaves in Mountain Red – 2024 Taiyuan Xishan Red Leaf Cultural Activities” kicked off at the Dou Daifu Shrine in Taiyuan, Shanxi. This series of activities includes various exhibitions and cultural performances, aimed at preserving ancient traditional culture.
The “Red Leaf Cultural Activities” will feature three main exhibitions: “The Cultural Exhibition of Fu Shan,” “The Life of Jin Xian Daifu – Dou Shao,” and “Treasures of the Three Jin – Ming Dynasty Murals of Taiyuan’s Duofu Temple.” The “Cultural Exhibition of Fu Shan” showcases 47 panels that highlight Fu Shan’s activities and the related poetry, calligraphy, and artworks found at Dou Daifu Shrine, Jingyin Temple, and Duofu Temple, providing a deep dive into Fu Shan’s academic achievements and the historical culture of the Juewei Mountain Museum.
The exhibition “The Life of Jin Xian Daifu – Dou Shao” details Dou Shao’s life, including his ancestry, achievements in water management, Confucian teachings, and the story of Confucius’s return, complemented by Li Pin’s poem “Bao Xian Tang” and inscriptions on rain prayer steles throughout the history of the Dou Daifu Shrine. This display uses various forms such as illustrations, rubbings, and architectural elements to illustrate the shrine’s rich history since its reconstruction in the Yuan Dynasty.
Meanwhile, “Treasures of the Three Jin – Ming Dynasty Murals of Taiyuan’s Duofu Temple” is divided into three sections: “Wonders on the Walls,” “Gatherings of Duofu,” and “Gleaming Fragments,” showcasing the historical and cultural significance of the Duofu Temple murals in various formats.
Gao Jiandong, a senior research fellow from the Taiyuan Cultural Relics Bureau, noted that the Juewei Mountain Museum brings together cultural treasures from the West Mountain, including Dou Daifu Shrine, Duofu Temple, and Jingyin Temple. This area serves as a prominent symbol of the enchanting scenery and rich cultural heritage of the West Mountain. The “Red Leaves of Juewei” is renowned as one of Taiyuan’s “Ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Jin Yang,” drawing countless visitors each autumn with its fiery foliage.
According to Liu Yiwei, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Taiyuan Cultural Relics Bureau, the purpose of this event is to deeply explore and interpret the cultural significance of the ancient eight scenic spots of Jin Yang. It aims to enhance cultural confidence and promote the transmission of China’s outstanding traditional culture, while allowing people to appreciate the humanistic and natural beauty of vibrant Taiyuan.
