The ancient name of White Emperor City, now known as Leshan, was Shuofang. This name dates back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 9 CE). The city was renamed Leshan during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 CE) to honor the Leshan Giant Buddha, one of the largest stone statues in the world. The name Shuofang is believed to have originated from the Shu people, an ancient ethnic group that inhabited the region.

The reason for this renaming is rooted in the historical significance of the area. Shuofang was a strategic location due to its proximity to the Yangtze River, making it a crucial hub for trade and transportation. The city's strategic importance was further emphasized by its role in the defense against invasions from the north. The name Shuofang reflects the city's historical connection to the Shu people and its strategic role in ancient China.

Historical records and archaeological findings support the renaming of Shuofang to Leshan. For instance, the "Book of the Later Han" (後漢書), a historical text compiled during the Tang Dynasty, mentions Shuofang as a significant city in the Shu region. Additionally, the "Tang Dynasty Annals" (唐書) also refers to the city as Shuofang, highlighting its importance during that period.

The renaming to Leshan, associated with the Leshan Giant Buddha, further solidified the city's cultural and religious significance. The giant Buddha, carved out of a cliff face, is a testament to the architectural and artistic prowess of ancient Chinese civilization. The statue's construction began in the year 713 during the Tang Dynasty and was completed in 803. The giant Buddha, measuring 71 meters tall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the ancient name of White Emperor City was Shuofang, reflecting its historical connection to the Shu people and its strategic importance in ancient China. The renaming to Leshan during the Tang Dynasty was a nod to the city's cultural and religious significance, particularly the Leshan Giant Buddha, which remains a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient Chinese civilization.