Binzhou, Hometown of Ancient Chinese Military Strategist Sun Tzu

BINZHOU, China, June 18, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

A media team visited Binzhou City, Shandong Province, China on June 14 to explore the culture of ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu.

Image: The City of the Art of War

Sun Wu, a Qi native from the late Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C.- 476 B.C.), is well-known for authoring the book titled The Art of War, often referred to as the “classic of military strategies through the ages” for its profoundness and comprehensiveness. The book deeply summarizes the rich experience of various states’ warfare during the Spring and Autumn Period and concludes the general principles of military strategies and tactics. Comprising 13 chapters, namely “Initial Estimations”, “Waging War”, “Planning Offensives”, “Military Disposition”, “Strategic Military Power”, “Vacuity & Substance”, “Military Combat”, “Nine Changes”, “Manoeuvring the Army”, “Configurations of Terrain”, “Nine Terrains”, “Incendiary Attacks” and “Employing Spies”, the clear structure forms a cohesive and rigorous whole.

The City of the Art of War is constructed on the ancient city walls and moat remains from the Song Dynasty in the city of Dizhou, with architectural design in the style of the Qin and Han dynasties. The layout of the architectural complex is arranged along the central axis from south to north, with the entrance gate and fifteen grand halls lining up in a straight line. The first hall is named the “Introduction Hall” showcasing Sun Tzu’s family background and the historical and cultural significance of his hometown to the people. The fifteenth hall, named the “Gate of Virtuous Victory”, displays the influence and spread of Sun Tzu’s culture, while serving as the rear entrance. The middle thirteen halls exhibit the thirteen chapters of The Art of War, with each hall named after one of the chapters.