Hui Xi Cliff Inscriptions

Hui Xi Cliff Inscriptions

The Hui Xi Cliff Inscriptions are a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Hui Xi Cliff Inscriptions are located at "Hua Mei Quan" in Yue Xi Wu Shan. "Hua Mei Quan" was the late-life retreat of Xu Lingtai, a renowned physician from Suzhou during the Qing Dynasty.

"Hua Mei Quan" faces north and south, with stone walls covered in inscriptions. The cliff is overgrown with moss, and clear springs trickle out from between the rocks. The spring pool has been buried under scattered stones, but directly above it are the large characters “Ancient Hua Mei Quan,” signed by Hui Xi Lao Ren, which were personally written by Xu Lingtai. The calligraphy is bold and powerful, unrestrained and bold. Numerous stone inscriptions and stelae are arranged in a row, unevenly spaced, totaling as many as 25. Most of the inscriptions are in relief. The inscribed texts vary in font style, with vigorous strokes and a distinctly classic charm.

In addition to the Xu father and son, other notable calligraphers include famous scholars such as Yuan Mei and Wang Chang, as well as inscriptions by members of the imperial family and monks. By content, those describing scenery include: Fairyland, Cloud Root, Traces Left Through the Ages, Cloud Valley, Another World, Harmony of Man and Nature, Emerald Drops on Spring Mountains, Verdant Hues, Little Mount Lu, Lingering in the Hollow Valley; those describing mood and ambiance include: Place of Dream Travel, Painted Wall Forgetting the Mundane, Sublime Realm Above the Void, Hard to Believe It’s of This World, Drink Deep from the Heavenly Pool, Wash Away Troubles; and those describing the excellence of the springs include: I Love Its Clarity, It Can Purify My Heart, Waterfalls Dripping from Cliffs, Sip from the Jade Pool, Quiet People, Clear Springs, Source of Water Control, Heavenly Pool’s Nectar, Clouds and Rosy Clouds’ Reflections, Waves Shaking Cloud Springs, Brimming with Life.