If you are a frequent visitor of Lan Su, you may have noticed the gateway at our Entrance Plaza, but have you ever paused to read the banner? It says, “壺天攬勝” which means “All nature’s splendors captured in this gourd heaven.” Intriguing, right? Well, buckle up—it’s story time!
Legend has it that during the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE), a mysterious man named Master Hu wandered the streets of Runan with a gourd slung over his back, selling miraculous medicine that save thousands but never ask for any money back. At the end of each day, when the sun dipped below the horizon, Master Hu would hang his gourd under the eaves and—poof!—he’d leap right inside, disappearing without a trace. Now, that’s an exit!
One day, a curious market official named Fei Changfang (費長房) witnessed this and knew Master Hu wasn’t just any man. Determined to uncover his secrets, Fei began sweeping Master Hu’s floors and bringing him food, never asking for anything in return. Finally, after proving his dedication, Master Hu invited Fei on an extraordinary journey. They both leapt into the tiny gourd, and—believe it or not—inside was not a cramped space but a vast, otherworldly paradise! The scene was filled with stunning pavilions, intriguing rock formations, flowing waterfalls, blossoming flowers, and majestic trees swaying in the breeze. (Sound familiar?)
Master Hu, once a heavenly immortal, explained his fall to earth. Seeing potential in Fei, he gifted him a magical talisman, empowering him to heal others. Fei went on to become a legendary healer.
So, why do we share this story at Lan Su? Because, like Master Hu’s gourd, Lan Su may seem modest from the outside, but step through the narrow opening of the gates, and you’re transported into a lush, otherworldly paradise—where plants, architecture, water, rocks, and poetry harmoniously combine. This banner was placed at our entrance to remind visitors that a classical Chinese garden like Lan Su has the power to transform not just your surroundings, but your mind and spirit, where nature, art, and culture come together.
Let’s all cherish this “gourd heaven” we all share! It’s truly special.
Venus Sun
Vice President of Culture & Community
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Leave a Reply