The lunar year of the rat is coming in 2020. The rat ranks first among the twelve Chinese zodiacs. However, because of its ugliness and misconduct, the rat has always been hated and blamed by the people, just as a saying goes, “A rat is an object of hatred at the streets”. There are only three places in Shaoxing that are named after the rat: Shenshu Rock of Xinchang, Laoshu Rock of Shengzhou, Laoshujia of Zhuji.

Compared with the places named after “horse” (214), “dragon” (200), “ox” (45) and “goat” (40) in Shaoxing, the places named after rat are a minority, only three.

Shenshu Rock of Xinchang County is located on the hill at the back of Xinzhai Village, Shaxi Town, with an elevation of 514 meters above the sea level. Here whether at the valley bottom and creek bed, or the top and side of the hill, grotesque rocks are scattered about, which seem to be the masterpieces of nature. Particularly at the cliff where the Shenshu Rock is located, the “body” and “head” of a mouse are lifelike, making this place a popular destination among tourists.

Laoshu Rock of Shengzhou is located in the Phoenix Nest at the southeastern corner of Ganlin Town, 20 km from the downtown of Shengzhou. The landscapes are picturesque here. This place is really a blessed land with a myth of “golden phoenix flying out of the hill” passed on from ancient times to date. To enter the Phoenix Nest, Dakeng Village and Wangshuping Village must be passed. In the about five-km distance from Centipede Claw southwards to Phoenix Nest, the hills are centripetal, with the end bent towards Phoenix Nest, which is generally called “Eighteen Embrace”, meaning “All birds paying homage to the phoenix”.

Laoshujia of Zhuji is located in the state-owned greening forest farm of Shibihu Village, Chenzhai Town, with an elevation of around 600 meters above sea level, where most bamboos and Chinese Torreya trees are planted. It is hidden in the picturesque landscapes with other hills.

Executive Editor: Zhou Xunnan