Tashan Cliff Inscriptions

Tashan Cliff Inscriptions

Located in Pucun, Songyanpu in the southwest of Yuqing County. During the Yongli era of the late Ming Dynasty (1647–1661), Qian Bangqi (courtesy name Kaishao), the Right Censor-in-Chief, refused to serve under Sun Kewang and went into long-term seclusion here. He once developed a hundred-acre Willow Lake for his own enjoyment. The lake featured 72 springs that gushed forth like strings of pearls, while hundreds of willow trees along the embankment were as thick as one could hug with both arms. In spring and summer, morning dew hung like beads and mist curled around, creating beautiful scenery that people called "Little Hangzhou." On the north side of Willow Lake stood Qian’s residence, the Dacuo Hermitage (Qian referred to himself as the "Dacuo Monk"). Nearby lies Tashan Mountain, which curves and embraces the area, covered with many uniquely shaped rocks, some resembling domestic animals. The mountain cliffs bear inscriptions such as “Tashan,” “Jade Screen Cave Heaven,” “Book Storage Basket,” “Plum Warehouse,” and “The Place Where Ming Shaobao Qian Kaishao Sang Aloud,” all of which still remain today.