Chaohu Lujiang Stone Museum

Chaohu Lujiang Stone Museum

The Central Anhui Stone Art Museum was established in June 1997 during the “Welcome Hong Kong’s Return” celebrations. It is located on the east side of Changjiang East Road in Lujiang County, adjacent to the Zhou Yu Mausoleum and set in scenic contrast with Huanbi Park. Over the two years since its opening to the public, thanks to the strong support from the county Party committee, county government, and various relevant departments, as well as the dedicated efforts of all museum staff, the stone museum has achieved significant influence both within and outside the province. “Visiting Lujiang to see the stones” has become a shared recognition among leaders at all levels and people from all walks of life.

The Central Anhui Stone Art Museum is a three-story antique-style building housing thousands of exquisitely shaped and uniquely sized stone masterpieces, presenting a spectacular display of nature’s wondrous craftsmanship. With its vast collection, comprehensive variety, and abundance of premium specimens—including some antique stones from the Ming and Qing dynasties—the museum ranks at the forefront nationally and fills a notable gap within the province. Museum director Wang Yanping, skilled in calligraphy and painting, adept at collecting, and experienced in planning, led his team to beautify both the interior and exterior of the museum. They adorned the courtyard with stone trees and pebble arrangements. In the main exhibition hall of rare stones, nearly every piece is displayed on a custom base. The hall is spotless and elegantly refined, allowing every visitor not only to immerse themselves in a breathtaking world of stones but also to experience the cultural refinement of a civilized venue. Many visitors, upon departure, firmly shake Director Wang Yanping’s hand and sincerely remark, “What a truly beautiful experience!”

Over the past two years, the stone museum has attracted visits from leaders at all levels and tourists from home and abroad with its novel and unique “stone culture.” In February 1999, Chen Jinhua, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, visited the museum for guidance. Provincial and regional leaders—Wang Zhaoyao, Lu Rongjing, Luo Huining, Zhou Guangquan, and others—have also toured the museum multiple times. Nearly 30,000 dignitaries and guests from as far as India’s Minister of Railways, Germany’s senior engineers, and other international and domestic visitors have come to explore the exhibits. Focusing primarily on showcasing stones, the museum effectively promotes and highlights the spirit of China’s ancient stone culture, while also introducing Lujiang’s cultural geography, economic development, and more. It has truly become a “window” for Lujiang’s openness to the outside world.

Stones, referred to as “qishi” (奇石), are defined as rocks with unusual shapes, extraordinary materials, forms, colors, or patterns that satisfy people’s curiosity or aesthetic preferences. These stones are suitable for appreciation, handling, or even trading for enjoyment. The fundamental appeal and main selling point of these stones are consistent—they are naturally formed. Throughout Chinese history, such stones have also been called guai shi (怪石, strange stones), ya shi (雅石, elegant stones), gong shi (供石, display stones), an shi (案石, desk stones), ji shi (几石, table stones), wan shi (玩石, play stones), qiao shi (巧石, ingenious stones), chou shi (丑石, ugly stones), qu shi (趣石, interesting stones), zhen shi (珍石, precious stones), yi shi (异石, rare stones), or gu shang shi (孤赏石, solitary appreciation stones). In Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, they are known as ya shi (雅石, elegant stones); in Japan, they are called suiseki (水石, water stones); and in Korea, they are referred to as susuk (寿石, longevity stones). Broadly speaking, any naturally formed stone with ornamental value can be called a qishi (奇石, exotic stone).