Daguan Peak

Daguan Peak

Guide Daguan Peak and Yunfeng are covered in inscriptions from various dynasties. Carvings by notable historical figures such as Liu Renyuan of the Tang Dynasty, Zhao Mingcheng of the Song Dynasty, Xu Shilong of the Yuan Dynasty, Zhu Heng of the Ming Dynasty, Ruan Yuan and Shi Runzhang of the Qing Dynasty are clearly visible. Majestic large characters such as “Standing Amidst the Heavens,” “Azure Cliffs,” “Vast Sky and Earth,” and “Breathing the Universe” shine alongside the “Inscription Commemorating the Imperial Ascent of Mount Tai,” leaving viewers in awe. In front of Daguan Peak, there was originally the Dongyue Temple, with Emperor Qianlong inscribing the plaques “Originating from the Primal Yuan” and “Reaching Up to the Azure Heavens.” Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Republic of China period, and now only the platform foundation and a stele from the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty remain. Highlights The most famous among them is the “Inscription Commemorating the Imperial Ascent of Mount Tai,” personally composed and inscribed by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty in the 13th year of the Kaiyuan era (725), commonly known as the “Tang Cliff Inscription.”

Introduction

On the eastern side of the path to Jade Emperor Summit, Daguan Peak features a cliff carved into a monument, covered in inscriptions from various dynasties. The cliff inscription is 13.3 meters high and 5.5 meters wide, containing a full 1,000 characters written in Tang Dynasty clerical script. The text is elegant, the calligraphy vigorous, and the style distinctly representative of the flourishing Tang era. The Ming Dynasty literary figure Wang Shizhen praised it, saying: “The grand cliff inscription reaches the heavens, as if a pair of phoenixes are dancing above the clouds, filling one with awe and wonder.”

Tai'an City, Shandong Province