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le: Some Lesser-known Facts about Yingcheng Yingcheng, a city located in the central part of China, is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. But there are some lesser-known facts about the city that may surprise you. In this article, we will explore some of these interesting tidbits about Yingcheng.
1. The Name "Yingcheng" The city of Yingcheng got its name from the famous Chinese strategist, Sun Tzu, who wrote the book 'The Art of War.' According to Sun Tzu, the ideal place for a city would be near a river, with plenty of natural resources around. Such a place would be referred to as "ying." Thus, Yingcheng came into existence, with "ying" meaning "ideal location" and "cheng" meaning "city."
2. The Oldest Standing Pagoda Yingcheng is home to the oldest standing pagoda in China. Called the Song Dynasty Pagoda, it is over 1000 years old and still stands tall in the heart of the city. The pagoda is made entirely of brick and has five levels, with a height of 33 meters.
3. The Cradle of Celadon Celadon, a type of pottery known for its green glaze, was first developed in Yingcheng during the Tang Dynasty. The city became renowned for producing celadon pottery, and it soon became a major export item. Even today, the city is still known for its celadon production.
4. The Birthplace of the Eight Trigrams The eight trigrams, a system of divination and cosmology, were developed in Yingcheng during the Zhou Dynasty. This system has played a significant role in Chinese culture and philosophy, and its influence can be seen in various fields like martial arts, medicine, and feng shui.
5. The City of Spring Water Yingcheng is also known as the "City of Spring Water," as it has over 1,500 natural springs. These springs have been a vital source of water for the city's residents for centuries. Even today, people come from far and wide to drink the spring water, which is believed to have medicinal properties.
6. The Origin of the Chinese Grocery Industry The Chinese grocery industry is known around the world for its efficiency and excellent service. But did you know that the modern grocery store can trace its origins back to Yingcheng? During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yingcheng was a significant trading center, and merchants here developed new ways of selling their wares. They used labels, packaging, and displayed their products in a way that would draw in customers, thus creating the model for the modern grocery store. In conclusion, Yingcheng is a city steeped in history and culture, and there is much to learn from it. Whether you are interested in pottery, divination or just a nice glass of spring water, Yingcheng has something to offer everyone. Next time you visit the city, be sure to explore its lesser-known treasures and discover what makes it truly unique.