A fan of the novel Shaosong visits Yue Fei Temple. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A Song Dynasty fiction-themed garden tour opened at Yue Fei Temple on Aug 1 and will run through Sept 7, offering fans and visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Inspired by the popular historical novel Shaosong by online author Liudanpashui, the event follows the story of Zhao Jiu, a university student transported back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) who becomes its founding emperor. With the help of generals including Yue Fei and Han Shizhong, he reshapes history and reunifies the fractured nation.

Since its release, Shaosong has garnered tens of millions of subscribers and established a large, active following among young readers. Its comic adaptation holds a 9.8 out of 10 rating on Tencent Comics, with more than 50,000 copies of the first volume sold.

Set during the Southern Song's resistance against the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), the story is closely tied to Yue Fei Temple — the final resting place of Yue Fei, a national hero celebrated for his loyalty. The temple has long been a place of tribute and reflection.

The program aims to encourage young people to engage with history, honor Yue Fei's legacy, and embrace the patriotic spirit he embodied. On Aug 2, Liudanpashui and Li Xiaonan, author of the comic adaptation, will launch pre-sales of Shaosong II at the temple. Visitors purchasing on-site will receive a limited-edition gift box signed by both authors.

Highlights include costumed performances reenacting scenes from the novel, bringing its fictional world vividly to life for attendees.