Dan Mountain Cliff Carvings

Dan Mountain Cliff Carvings

The Dan Mountain Cliff Carvings Group is a cultural relic protection unit of Hunan Province.

The "Dan Mountain Cliff Carvings" are located on the Yuan River cliffs, centered around the Zhonggu Cave, at the famous tourist attraction Dan Mountain Temple on the opposite bank of Chenxi County. Dan Mountain, resembling a giant turtle, was historically also called Turtle Mountain. In the 21st year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1682), Magistrate Zhu Zhaozi built Dan Mountain Temple at the edge of the cliff, taking advantage of the natural terrain. Perched atop a sheer cliff and overlooking a deep pool, with its multiple tiers of flying eaves and pavilions, the temple is a marvel of craftsmanship, and has long been known as one of the Eight Ancient Scenic Spots of Chenxi County for its "Evening Bell from the Cliffside Temple." Climbing up the ladder to the Zhonggu Cave beneath Dan Mountain Cave behind the temple, you will see two stones in the cave—one above the other, one to the left and one to the right—mirroring each other naturally. Their shapes resemble a bell and a drum placed inside a natural cave. When struck, they produce clear, melodious sounds. Legend has it that on quiet nights, elegant and beautiful bell and drum sounds can be heard coming from the southern bank of the Yuan River.

On the inner and outer stone walls of the Zhonggu Cave, 17 cliff carving poems and inscriptions are clearly visible, with some characters still faintly discernible. Each carving varies in size and font. The inscribed poems and texts depict the ancient scenery of mountains and waters around Chenyang, portray the landscapes of Dayou Mountain, Zhonggu Cave, and the Yuan River, or express emotions inspired by the scenery and convey aspirations through objects. According to research, the authors of these works include the Ming Dynasty philosopher and Minister of War Wang Shouren (also known as Wang Yangming), Ming Dynasty Minor Director of the Court of Imperial Stables Man Chaojian, Ming Dynasty imperial censor Xue Xuan, Ming Dynasty general Deng Zilong, Qing Dynasty Qianlong-era Grand Secretary Fu Huan, and Qing Dynasty Governor-General of Huguang Lin Zexu—whose handwriting is particularly precious. Surprisingly, all the carvings are suspended on the cliffsides, over 80 meters above the cliff top and more than 30 meters above the riverbed. Visitors, while marveling at the ancient artists’ extraordinary skill, are also astonished by the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient architecture.

The carvings inside Zhonggu Cave preserve the poetry of Ming Dynasty’s Wang Yangming most intact. According to the head of the Chenxi County Cultural Relics Management Office, in 1510, the 38-year-old Wang Yangming was reinstated by Emperor Wuzong of Ming and passed through Chenxi. After an evening tour of Zhonggu Cave, he was inspired to write a five-character regulated verse: "Strange rocks by the river's edge, lightly tapped, their sound carries far. The bell and drum are famed through the ages, their tones naturally divine. The wind carries songs through the valley, the returning boat marks the changing watch. Now let us join in refined music, playing together for peace under heaven." On the cliff face of Dan Mountain, four bold characters—“Tai Gu Yi Yin” (Ancient Echoes)—inscribed by Xu Shan, Prefect of Chenzhou during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, are vigorous and powerful.

Chenxi County was originally called Chenyang County, established in the 7th year of Emperor Gaozu of the Western Han Dynasty. Since ancient times, it has been known as the "Key to Yunnan and Guizhou, Thoroughfare of the Five Streams," serving as an important passage from the Central Plains to the southwest in ancient times. In antiquity, many high-ranking officials, nobles, literati, and scholars—whether demoted due to political setbacks or appointed after passing the imperial examinations—would stop briefly at Dan Mountain Wharf. There, they would rest, drink wine, sing songs, admire the beauty of Dan Mountain and the majestic momentum of the Yuan River, draw inspiration from the scenery, and burst into poetic creation. Some expressed their feelings directly, while others depicted the landscape. When meeting with literary friends, they would compose poems in response, creating truly exceptional works. The "Dan Mountain Cliff Carvings Group" stands as historical testament to the developed waterways and thriving commerce of ancient Chenyang County.

Author: Xiao Jun

Chenyang Town: The former Chengjiao Township and Chenyang Town were merged to form Chenyang Town.

A town under the jurisdiction of Chenxi County. Established as a county in the Sui Dynasty, it has served as the county seat ever since. In 1935, Yangcheng Town was established; in 1937, it was renamed Chenyang Town; in 1951, it became Chengguan District; in 1953, it was changed to Chengguan Town; in 1981, Chenyang Town was restored. It covers an area of 27.74 square kilometers with a population of 60,700. Provincial Highway 1845 runs through the area, and the Yuan River is navigable year-round. The town administers Zhongshan Street, Xinshi Street, Park Street, Shuangxikou Street, Wenchang Lane Street, Longtoujing, Liushuwan, Yujiaxiang, Guangensi, Dakoulu, Xiaokoulu, Xianfeng, Dongfeng, Xiongshou... More detailed information about Chenyang Town++

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hunan Province