Buermen Cliff Carvings

Buermen Cliff Carvings

The stone walls on both sides inside Buermen are as expansive as screens. Over the dynasties, literati and scholars have carved various cliff inscriptions here, either praising the serene beauty of the landscape or expressing their lofty sentiments. According to the *Yongshun County Annals*, the Buermen cliff carvings include over a hundred inscriptions such as "Divine Beauty Favors This Spot," "My Way Comes from the South," "White Clouds Gate Opens," "Pillar in the Midstream," "South Sea Before One’s Eyes," "Treasure Light Supreme," "A Unique Sight," and "A World Apart." After enduring the vicissitudes of time, only dozens remain today, including "Carved by Nature’s Hand," "Peerless Scenic Wonder," "Washed Clean of Worldly Dust," "Marvel at the Wondrous," and "Flown in from the Sea." The eight scenic poems of Guanyin Rock composed by the renowned Qing scholar Bai Jie’an, such as "Pine Path Retains the Clouds," "Ancient Cave’s Immortal Traces," "Layered Pavilion Soars Green," "Jade Peaks Screen in a Ring," and "Clear Pool’s Moonlight Shadow," are still embossed on the stone walls. Among them, the poem "The Stone Gate Carved by Heaven" remains intact: “The Dharma Gate soars high, nestled among five clouds, Nature’s miraculous craft shows wondrous artistry. No trace left where stones were moved by whip, yet forms remain, No hammer needed for the mountain-shaking bell. The land blessed by floral rain lies open in all directions, The path of the Way continues, a thread newly unspooled. Don’t say Zhongnan Mountain is the shortcut— The mighty spirit carved this little Penglai.”

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of Hunan Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units