Cliff Inscriptions at Lotus Peak in Chaoyang

Cliff Inscriptions at Lotus Peak in Chaoyang

The cliff inscriptions at Lotus Peak in Chaoyang are a protected cultural heritage site under Guangdong Province.

The Southern Song Dynasty cliff inscriptions at Lotus Peak in Chaoyang are located on Lotus Peak, situated on the southwestern seashore of Haimen Town, Chaoyang City. Historically known as the "Lotus Peak Sea View," it is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Chaoyang. The inscribed area spans three sites: Lotus Peak, Jian Mountain, and Die Stone, featuring a total of 93 inscriptions dating from the Song Dynasty to modern times. The Guangxu-era Annals of Chaoyang County records: "The Song Dynasty’s Prime Minister Wen ascended this rock to gaze at the Emperor's ship and inscribed the three characters 'Lotus Peak' on it." Since then, generations of officials and scholars have visited to pay homage to loyal heroes or to compose poetry inspired by the landscape, leaving behind a rich collection of inscriptions in diverse calligraphic styles—making it a precious cultural heritage for studying the history and culture of Chaoyang. Among the more representative inscriptions are: the Song Dynasty calligraphy by Wen Tianxiang reading “Lotus Peak,” in semi-cursive script, carved on a stone panel measuring 6×1.5 meters; “Zhongnan,” in regular script, carved on a stone panel measuring 0.68×0.28 meters. Chaoyang County Magistrate Zang Xianzu composed a poem: “The Prime Minister hastened to the coast to serve the king, his loyalty crushed the stone lotuses; longing to restore the fallen sovereign, he caused this loyal minister to grieve as the sun set. A boundless spirit swallowed the mighty waves, his red heart forever shines on the cold sands; achieving righteousness and honor for sovereign and father—reading history, who can help but sigh?” The inscription surface measures 2.3×2.5 meters. Modern calligrapher Liu Haisu inscribed “Pillar of Sea and Sky” and “Cloud Dragons and Wind Tigers,” and in 1962, poet Lao She wrote two poems during his visit to Haimen and Lotus Peak. The first: “From afar I pity the loyal minister atop this peak, where dark waters and cold clouds watched for the Emperor’s boat; today, red flags brighten the blue sea, as China’s children compete in valor.” The second: “Drinking dew and feasting on rosy clouds, the ten-foot blue lotus blooms; the tides rise and fall at Haimen, guarding China through the ages.”

In June 1989, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province designated it as a cultural heritage protection site.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units