Is Linyi Guituo City real?
Linyi Guituo City is an urban construction layout that does not really exist.
In the book "History of Chinese Cities" collected by Li Fengjun, in the section about "cities built in accordance with local conditions in ancient times", examples of "turtle-shaped cities" in Qixian and Suixian counties were cited. When I saw the "Map of Yizhou City Wall" in the Ming Dynasty and the "Map of Linyi County Gate" in the Republic of China, I found that Linyi City was slightly oval in shape, especially in the Ming Dynasty. Linyi also had four protruding city gates. From the map, it looks really real. Somewhat similar to a turtle.
The turtle may have more of a political meaning: "The tortoise means longevity, which means the country will be eternal." The legend of the Phoenix has more "historical codes". According to the information provided by Li Fengjun, Linyi was the activity area of the Shaohao family of Dongyi people in ancient times. The Shaohao family worshiped the phoenix and called various official positions after the bird's name.
On two pieces of granite in a valley in Tongjing Town, Yinan County, each piece is engraved with a phoenix and the word "phoenix". This is the phoenix carving stone of Yuanfeng in the Western Han Dynasty that dates back more than 2,000 years ago. It is the earliest existing portrait stone in the country with an exact date.
Extended information
Mythical stories
When Jiang Ziya was on the list of gods, he was rescued by an old turtle in Linyi. Jiang Ziya asked Lao Gui to go to heaven to become an immortal together, but Lao Gui refused because it was difficult to leave his homeland. Jiang Ziya then called Linyi "the turtle is in the city". Lao Gui nodded and followed the Yi River into the underground of Linyi. From then on, it was called Guituo City.
The story of Phoenix City is evidenced by the place name "Phoenix Ridge": During the Spring and Autumn Period, this place was under the jurisdiction of Zhuqiu City. Phoenixes often came to live on a ridge in the west of the city, so this ridge was called Phoenix Ridge. , Zhuqiu City is also called Phoenix City.
The story of the Phoenix City is also mixed with the legend of the Phoenix's "divine fire" warming the place and the Phoenix repaying its favor. Perhaps it is the continuous blending of so many stories that has formed the current "carrying by a divine turtle, carried by a divine turtle". The "tortoise and camel Phoenix" guarded by a phoenix.
Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia-Gutuo City