Mianyang Xishan Park - A Serendipitous Encounter on the Mountain Top: The "Ziyun Pavilion of Western Shu" from "The Epigraph of a Humble House"

[Rainbow]"The thatched hut of Zhuge Liang in Nanyang, the Ziyun Pavilion of Western Shu. Confucius said: What simplicity is there?" This is a famous line from "The Epigraph of a Humble House." While "the thatched hut of Zhuge Liang in Nanyang" is easily understood—referring to Zhuge Liang with a clear location in Nanyang—the specifics of "Western Shu" and who "Ziyun" was in "the Ziyun Pavilion of Western Shu" are less obvious. This question puzzled me for years until I visited Mianyang. It turns out that Mianyang is the "Western Shu" mentioned in the text, and Ziyun Pavilion is built atop Xishan Park.

[Glister]Must-See Attractions:
[One]Ziyun Pavilion of Western Shu - The "Immortal Abode" from "The Epigraph of a Humble House"
Q: Who is "Ziyun" in "the Ziyun Pavilion of Western Shu"?
A: Zhao Zilong!
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Did you assume "Ziyun" was Zhao Zilong because the previous line mentioned Zhuge Liang? And by the way, his given name was Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong—what does that have to do with "Ziyun"?
Here's a proper explanation: Ziyun was the courtesy name of Yang Xiong, a Western Han dynasty writer, linguist, and philosopher. He was a rare encyclopedic master in Chinese cultural history. Many idioms and allusions we use today, such as "a petty skill" (carving insects), "to inspire," "soaring ambitions," "golden rules," and "advancing by retreating," originated from this polymath.
The current Ziyun Pavilion was newly built in 1987, standing 23 meters tall with three floors. It is indigo in color, combining pavilion, terrace, and tower into one elegant and majestic structure, as if stepped out of an ancient painting. The pavilion details Yang Xiong's life and contributions, and from its heights, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Mianyang—a perfect spot to reflect on the past and present.

[Two]Jiang Wan's Tomb - The Mausoleum of One of Shu Han's Four Greats
Opposite Ziyun Pavilion lies the tomb of Jiang Wan, one of the Four Greats of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. He succeeded Zhuge Liang, serving as Imperial Secretary, then Grand General, and finally Grand Marshal, overseeing Shu Han's military and governance. After his death, he was buried in Fuxian (modern-day Mianyang) at Xishan.

[Three]Xianyun Taoist Temple - A Temple of Three Religions Unified
In the garden area at the foot of Xishan stands the Xianyun Taoist Temple. Legend says it was built by Erzhu Xian, one of the Eight Immortals of Shu during the Eastern Han dynasty, who cultivated himself here. Today, it is a rare national relic where Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism coexist.

[Four]Jade Maiden Spring - The Largest and Earliest Taoist Cliff Carvings in Shu
Below Xianyun Temple, a spring flows from a rock crevice, never drying up for millennia—known as Jade Maiden Spring, a famous spring in Shu. The cliffs around it feature Taoist carvings, the largest and earliest of their kind in the region.

[RoundNails]Address:
Xishan Park, No. 4 Xishan South Road, Fucheng District, Mianyang
🎫Ticket Info:
Free admission
⏰Opening Hours:
Park open all day; attractions open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
[ThumbsUp]Recommended Visit Duration:
1–2 hours
[Car]Transportation Tips:
East Gate:
Take Bus 1002M to Xishan Park Station, then walk 200m
West Gate:
Take Bus 66 to South Section of Yunquan East Road Station
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