Shu Jing

Shu Jing is a town located on one of the eastern islands of the Fire Nation. Situated on a cliff that houses a system of waterfalls, it is one of the many small, peaceful settlements tucked away throughout the Fire Islands. Due to its secluded location and natural surroundings, Piandao decided it would be the perfect place to pursue his artistic interests.
== History ==
The village of Shu Jing is famous for its most well-known resident, the renowned sword master Piandao, who lived above the village in a large castle. A military deserter, he is believed to have once fought a battle against one hundred Fire Nation soldiers and won, defeating them all. Team Avatar stopped at the village in 100 AG to watch a meteor shower, and after a meteorite landed in the grasslands, Aang, Katara, and Toph used their bending to put out the fire the impact had ignited. As the group ate smoked sea slug at a restaurant in town for lunch, Sokka mused that he felt he did not contribute much to the team, and so they went to a weapons store located nearby to "reinvigorate [Sokka's] battling" and cheer him up. After seeing a sword made by Piandao, Sokka traveled to the sword master's elegant dwelling, endeavouring to learn the way of the sword.
== Description ==
Shu Jing and the region that surrounds it is a renowned haven of pristine natural beauty and wildlife. The town is located at the heart of a vast expanse of grassy hills, most of which are rocky and steep in terrain. Due to the rough surface of the land, trees are only sporadically found in the area. Shu Jing itself is situated at the edge of a canyon, through which flows a small river. Though narrow, multiple waterfalls and cataracts dot the canyon, where the rock is black in coloration.
The town itself is located on the slope of a hill and its architectural styles are similar to that of many other rural Fire Nation towns. The buildings are mainly low-rise and red or white in exterior coloration, with golden trimmings. They have slanted roofs, a few windows, and entryways at their facades. The structures closest to the canyon are simple in design, but buildings further away exhibit more extravagance and grandeur. These are typically two to three stories tall, towering in comparison to the smaller ones. All buildings are made of stone and have wooden roofs. Certain public facilities, such as restaurants, have spacious balconies that overlook the valley, providing sweeping scenery.
== Locations ==
=== Piandao's castle ===
Formerly the home of a Fire Nation nobleman, this castle sat unused and in disrepair for many years. Piandao cleaned, painted, and landscaped the property himself, making sure that all of its elements were in perfect harmony. Perched high on a cliff overlooking the town, Piandao's castle boasts sixteen bedrooms, two gardens, a sword-making foundry, and stables. The white lotus motif can be seen throughout the castle, including on the front door, and there are also lion turtle sculptures located in the rock garden.
=== Weapons store ===
The weapons store, run by a shopkeeper, is the largest of its kind in the Fire Nation and sells a wide variety of vintage armaments, including bladed weapons, knives, and melee weapons. The store also sells a unique variety of armor.
=== Restaurant ===
Team Avatar dined on the balcony of a restaurant during their stay at Shu Jing. The restaurant was well shaded, provided a great view of the rest of the town, and sold various cuisine that included smoked sea slug and other meals. Sokka sat on the edge of the balcony while his friends were perched at a table on small, bench-like seats.
== Notable figures ==
* Fat
* Piandao
* Weapons store shopkeeper
== Trivia ==
* The waterfalls near Shu Jing were modeled after Gullfoss, a waterfall in Iceland.Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Art of the Animated Series, page 132.DiMartino, Michael Dante; Konietzko, Bryan & Sifu Kisu (October 30, 2007). "Sokka's Master" commentary. Book 3: Fire, Volume 1 DVD.
== References ==
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ru:Шу Дзинг
Category:A to Z
Category:Fire Nation
Category:Locations
Category:Settlements