The Butterfly Lovers at Huashan Village

In the Dongxiang, Zhengjiang lies the Huashan Village. Originally part of Shiqiao Town, it was later incorporated into Yaoqiao Town, Zhenjiang New District. As an ancient village, its history can be traced back as far as the Southern Dynasties. The village is also where the story of “Hua Shan Ji”, a folk song-poem in the Southern Dynasties, took place, or one of the important locations mentioned therein.

“Hua Shan Ji, thou died for me, how could I live by myself? If thou pity me, open the coffin and I shall die with thee.” “Hua Shan Ji” is passed on from 1800 years ago from the Six Dynasties. It tells of a heartbreaking love story which can be interpreted as: Oh, Hua Shan Ji, now that you died for me, how could I live by myself? If you feel pity for me, then open the coffin and I’ll die with you. The song-poem was completely written in the spoken language back then, admiring the faithful love of the heroine and her willingness to repay the one who lost his life for her with her own life. Her resolute tone and bold acts haunt the world and aggrieve both gods and ghosts.

In 2006, the joint-burial tomb (Shen Nyu Zhong) from the Southern Dynasties was discovered in Huashan Village, Yaoqiao Town, Zhenjiang. Shen Nyu Zhong is probably the rudiment of the “Butterfly Lovers”, one of the four folk legends.

One could still catch the afterglow of this ancient village when walking down its alleys. As you approach it, a 1500-year-old ginkgo tree shaped like a giant umbrella is visible from distance. Next to the tree stands Zhangwang Temple, which is believed to be the place where the first temple fair in regions south of the Yangtze River was held. The village is separated into the southern and northern parts by the central axial road that heads westward, with its streets and alleys stretching like fish bones. What makes the villagers proud is the ancient street called “Longji Street” (literally Keel Street）. According to Dantu County Annals, more than 1000 years ago, this street used to be packed with groceries, tea shops, draper shops, craft shops, taverns, oil shops, inns, and silk shops, attracting even more visitors during holidays.