Cliff Inscriptions on Jigu Mountain

Cliff Inscriptions on Jigu Mountain

The Cliff Inscriptions on Jigu Mountain are a cultural relic protection unit of Wenzhou City.

Jigu Mountain is located at the southern end of Zhongshan Park and got its name because it is round in shape, resembling a high granary. Legend has it that during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Gen secluded himself here, attained enlightenment, and ascended to immortality in a crimson cloud, hence it is also called Feixia Mountain (Flying Sunset Mountain). Around its western foothills are scenic spots such as Feixia Cave, Liuyun Temple, Xieke Rock, Shengyan, and Chunchi Pool. Qing Dynasty’s Zheng Wei wrote in his “Ode to Jigu Mountain”: “Jigu is emerald green east of the city; recalling its majestic form, lush and verdant.”, “Grass grows by the poolside, prompting reflection on Xie Ke; sunset clouds fly at the cave mouth, evoking memories of Immortal Liu.” Throughout history, there have been over 50 cliff inscriptions by notable figures. Among the relatively well-preserved ones today are inscriptions on the left and right walls of Feixia Cave, including those by Song Dynasty figures Bian Diao (prefect), Ma Xun, Zheng Geng, Ren Kui, Wu Junping (magistrate of Yongjia), Zhao Rusu (prefect), as well as mentions by Cao Guan, Liu Shu (prefect), and Xie Bi. On the steep cliffs southeast of Chunchi Pool are Ming Dynasty inscriptions such as Wang’s “Zheng Yun Gen” and modern-era calligraphy by Zheng Yue (1902–1975) reading “Qi Ru Hong” (Aura Like a Rainbow), totaling 13 pieces. Unfortunately, the rest have faded or been damaged beyond recognition. These cliff inscriptions represent the most abundant and longest-spanning collection in downtown Wenzhou, holding significant value for the study of the city’s history. They were listed as part of the third batch of Wenzhou Cultural Relic Protection Units in 1992.

Time Period: Northern Song Dynasty to the Republic of China

Date of Designation: April 17, 1992

Category: Grotto Temples and Rock Carvings

Protected Area: The area of the cliff inscriptions on the western side of Jigu Mountain.