Dezhou's Hidden Gem: Pushi Academy, a Suzhou-style Garden

**Dezhou Pushi Academy: A Fusion of North and South, a Beacon of Cultural Heritage** Nestled on the banks of the Shawang River in the Dezhou Economic and Technological Development Zone lies Pushi Academy, a garden that embodies the architectural essence of both northern and southern China and carries the legacy of millennia of culture. This 70-acre classical garden captures the elegance of Suzhou gardens and the grandeur of northern city walls, seamlessly weaving together nature and culture, art and history. It stands as a shining cultural pearl in the heart of Shandong. ### 1. Architectural Beauty: A Unique Blend of North and South Pushi Academy's layout follows the principle of a central axis with two wings extending outwards, cleverly incorporating the traditional Chinese concept of a square "city." It blends the winding paths of Suzhou gardens with the majestic splendor of northern city walls. The gray tiles and white walls of Huizhou architecture complement the towering corner towers, while small bridges and flowing water meander through pavilions and halls. With 58 scenic spots offering ever-changing views, the academy captures the delicate beauty of the south and the bold atmosphere of the north. This harmonious design philosophy not only showcases the unity of architectural art but also embodies the Eastern philosophy of coexistence between humans and nature. With a total construction area of 42,000 square meters, the academy took four years and an investment of 250 million yuan to complete. Every detail reflects meticulous craftsmanship. From the square layout of the "city" to the dynamic charm of the "garden," from the natural elements of mountains, rocks, trees, and water to the ingenious use of sound and light art, Pushi Academy is a veritable three-dimensional cultural museum. ### 2. Cultural Charm: A Convergence of Ancient and Modern Art Pushi Academy is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also a treasure trove of traditional Chinese culture. The founder, Qin Shuming (pen name Pushi), a collector and artist, has transformed the academy into a cultural complex encompassing relics, calligraphy, painting, exotic stones, tea ceremony, and more: - **Cultural Relics Collection**: The museum displays artifacts from the Warring States period to the Ming and Qing dynasties, including weapons, purple clay teapots, and ceramics. It also houses authentic works by renowned artists such as Wen Zhengming, Bada Shanren, Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi, and Zhang Daqian, offering a glimpse into art history. - **Exotic Stones and Calligraphy/Painting**: In the 16,000-square-meter exhibition hall, exotic stones like Lingbi stones and Taihu stones complement calligraphy and paintings, while large-scale ceramic paintings are truly breathtaking. - **Inheritance of Chinese Studies**: With a mission to promote Chinese studies forums, tea ceremony studies, and intangible cultural heritage, the academy regularly hosts academic exchanges and art exhibitions, playing a vital role in elevating Dezhou's cultural landscape. ### 3. A Path to Openness: From Private Courtyard to Public Cultural Space The development of Pushi Academy is a story of transformation from a "private courtyard" to a space for "cultural sharing." Since its establishment in 2010, the academy was closed for a long time due to funding and operational issues, leading to outside speculation. It wasn't until 2020 that it first opened its doors to the public for free. After exploring partnerships with private schools (such as Sunshine Future International School), the academy finally returned to its cultural and tourism roots in 2024, fully opening to the public. Today, Pushi Academy is not only a popular destination for citizens' leisure and recreation but also strives to become the largest cultural park in the country. Planned features include calligraphy and painting exhibitions, Chinese studies lectures, opera performances, and traditional Chinese medicine wellness programs. It is poised to become a comprehensive cultural landmark integrating education, art, and tourism. ### 4. Social Value: A New Cultural and Tourism Icon for Dezhou The opening of Pushi Academy not only provides citizens with the unique experience of "enjoying Jiangnan scenery without leaving Dezhou" but also serves as a catalyst for upgrading Dezhou's cultural tourism industry. Its free admission policy and reservation-based visiting system ensure public access to cultural resources while enhancing the city's cultural appeal. Activities such as family outings, cattle painting exhibitions, and intangible cultural heritage experiences bring traditional culture to life, fostering a sense of cultural identity among citizens. ### Conclusion Dezhou Pushi Academy is a cultural bridge across time and space, blending the essence of northern and southern architecture, the treasures of ancient and modern art, and the balance between private and public.