Lingying Rock

Lingying Rock

The Middle Peak, located at the "Male Phallus Sacred Site" in Lingying Rock on the upper reaches of the Qingxi River, earned its name from the over 5,000 carved "wěizi" (a local term for male genitalia), either inscribed on cliff faces or standing along the pathways. Because Qijiang is situated at the southern gateway of Chongqing, it has historically been a frequent battleground. Many men were conscripted into military service, which often turned this area into "widow villages" during times of war. The longing for male offspring led local women to erect 3–4-meter-high stone "wěizi" on the hillsides, praying to the gods for the blessing of bearing sons. This custom dates back to the Qin and Han dynasties and continued unabated until the mid-20th century, with devout worshippers still flocking to erect "wěizi."

Among the over 5,000 ancient and rugged stone carvings, some cross-shaped "root sculptures," vastly different from the other upright "single-pillar" designs and unique in China, have long been a subject of debate among experts regarding their purpose. Some believe they serve as guardian deities of the "sacred site," specifically meant to ward off evil spirits, while others interpret them as stylized representations of the male phallus, still reflecting worship of male genitalia.

"They are, like the Christian cross in the West, a form of phallic worship," explained Professor Liu Dalin, who has long been following the mystery of the "sacred site's 'swords.'" He recently traveled to the Middle Peak to conduct a detailed study of these "swords." He elaborated that the vertical line of the cross represents the male organ, while the horizontal line symbolizes the female organ, and their intersection signifies the act of intercourse. Compared to the widespread "wěizi" on the Middle Peak that embody phallic worship, this design carries an additional layer of meaning. "The ancients also had self-awareness, knowing that having just 'wěizi' alone wouldn't be enough to have sons." Those ancient men, whom contemporary women might label as "sexist pigs," had already consciously made room for women within their "male phallus sacred site."

Mr. Zeng, director of the Qijiang Cultural Relics Management Office, also believes that the appearance of the female organ in the "Male Phallus Sacred Site" at least acknowledges the role of women in procreation. It also reflects that the ancients not only pursued the outcome of having children but also took pleasure in the process of creation. This form of phallic worship transcends mere reverence for genitalia.

To what extent did the ancients’ phallic worship reach? Officials from the Qijiang Cultural Relics Management Office explain that cross-shaped "wěizi" are commonly seen in the murals of ancient rock tombs across Qijiang. Experts say tomb owners not only hoped to enjoy the joy of having children during their lifetimes but also wished to pass down this happiness and blessing through generations — “so that their descendants would be endless.”