Ancient Architectural Structures and Stone Carvings of Shizhong Mountain

Ancient Architectural Structures and Stone Carvings of Shizhong Mountain

The Ancient Architectural Structures and Stone Carvings of Shizhong Mountain are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Tang Dynasty to the Republic of China

Address: Hukou County, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province

Shizhong Mountain has a long history. According to unearthed relics, people fished and hunted here as early as the Western Zhou Dynasty. Brick and tile buildings existed during the Han Dynasty. Major structures through the dynasties include: Baozhong Temple, Dizang Hall, Guanyin Hall, Tianhua Palace, Siwang Temple, Jintai Nunnery, Jiuwang Temple, Jiangsheng Pavilion, Qibin Pavilion, Baiyun Pavilion, Qingzhao Pavilion, Guanlan Pavilion, Lingyin Platform, Reading Platform, Shansheng Tower, Stone Buddha Tower, and the ancient pagoda at the mountain peak, among others. These buildings have gone through many upheavals and were destroyed in frequent wars.

The existing structures were all rebuilt or newly constructed after the eighth year of the Xianfeng reign in the Qing Dynasty (1858). After the liberation, they underwent multiple renovations, and new scenic spots were added. The major reconstructions were: first, during the Qing Dynasty, when Zeng Guofan and Peng Yulin petitioned Emperor Xianfeng and received an imperial decree to allocate funds for rebuilding; second, in the contemporary period from 1949 to the present, which saw four rounds of restoration. After restoration, Shizhong Mountain integrates over 30 types of classical Chinese architecture including pavilions, terraces, towers, towers, pagodas, waterside pavilions, painted boats, corridors, ancestral halls, halls, courtyards, and garden rooms, making it a typical Jiangnan-style garden. The stones here resonate with sound when struck, presenting a marvelous sight. Many rocks naturally feature characteristics such as twisted textures, translucency, slim forms, perforations, and rugged shapes. Stone inscriptions and poetic couplets abound. It is precisely because of such uniquely steep natural landscapes and long-standing cultural heritage that Shizhong Mountain has attracted numerous scholars and poets throughout history to explore its wonders and compose literary works. Renowned figures such as Li Daoyuan, Tao Yuanming, Xie Lingyun, Di Renjie, Li Bai, Bai Juyi, Meng Haoran, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Huang Tingjian, Wang Anshi, Wen Tianxiang, Yuan Mei, and Guo Moruo have all left behind beautiful poems and calligraphy here. Among them, Su Dongpo’s “Record of Shizhong Mountain” from the Song Dynasty has been passed down through the ages and gained worldwide fame. United Nations experts have described Shizhong Mountain as encompassing scenery, historical sites, scenic spots, and gardens all in one—a wonder of the world.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units