Shi’an

Shi’an

Shi’an is a cultural relic protection unit of Chaozhou City.

Shi’an is located on the western hillside of Shi’an Mountain (formerly known as Shi’weng Mountain) in Gui’keng Village, Yixi Town, Xiangqiao District, about 15 kilometers from downtown Chaozhou. The mountain features mist-shrouded tall trees, rugged rocks, winding paths, and deep caves, while at the foot lies a serene stream with crystal-clear water. Nestled against the mountain, Shi’an fully captures the essence of nature. The temple has two levels: the upper part is a Buddhist hall, with white walls and grey tiles, very simple in style. In front of the hall stands an osmanthus tree over ten feet tall, planted during the Ming Dynasty. It is said to have been planted by a princess (or noblewoman) in the late Ming period, and its fragrance is exceptionally rich. The lower part is a natural rock cave, hollow like a room, which can accommodate more than ten people. Ascending the winding path from the foot of the mountain, one can see cliff inscriptions on the left side of the path, reading “Han Shi’s Echo” and “Do Not Ignore Cause and Effect,” carved in stone. These were handwritten by Huang Jin, Minister of Rites in Nanjing during the Ming Dynasty.

Shi’an features a site called “Zuishang Rock.” According to the Haixian Annals: “Zuishang Rock is located on Shi’an Mountain east of the city. By grabbing vines and climbing steps, one reaches halfway up the mountain after several ascents. There, hidden among the rocks, are two small rooms of a monk’s dwelling, below which lies a cave. The cave is hollow like a room and can hold several people. In front of the cave is a flat area wide enough for dozens of people to sit. There is also a steep stone wall inscribed with the three characters ‘Zuishang Rock,’ written by Ming Dynasty Minister Huang Jin. Legend says that Huang Jin once took refuge here during times of chaos. The top of the stone wall is flat, offering a clear view of the prefectural city to the west. Beneath the wall is a cave of unfathomable depth, surrounded by dark, dense woods, lush and oddly shaped rocks. Beside the cave grows an osmanthus tree with a fragrance exceptionally different from ordinary flowers, yet the mountain is remote and the path overgrown, so few people ever come here.”

Shi’an was built during the Ming Dynasty, renovated in the 16th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1890), and further repaired in 1985. It is a tourist attraction in Chaozhou and was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit of Chaozhou City in 1987.

Gui’keng Village: Gui’keng Village…… Detailed information on Gui’keng Village++