Bell and Drum Rocks

Bell and Drum Rocks

Introduction Bell and Drum Rocks is located 27 kilometers north of Nanxiong County. Originally part of Cui Ping Mountain, it earned its name from two distinctive rocks—one in the Bell Rock that sounds like a bell when struck, and another in the Drum Rock that resonates like a drum—thus collectively called Bell and Drum Rocks.

Bell and Drum Rocks faces Meiling and lies along the ancient Meiling Road, a key route with a long history of development. The rocky surfaces inside and outside the cave feature calligraphic works and poetic inscriptions by notable figures through the dynasties. The stone walls of the rock bear the three large characters “万福洞” (Ten Thousand Blessings Cave), signed “Tang Dynasty’s Lü Yan” (i.e., Lü Dongbin). Su Shi, the great literary figure of the Northern Song Dynasty, was banished to the south but later pardoned and on his way back north passed by this place, where he inscribed the words “诸仙洞” (Cave of the Immortals) at the Eight Immortals Cave. Not only are the cave interiors uniquely scenic, but the rocks outside the cave also feature peculiar shapes. Six pavilions have been built here: Fu Mei Pavilion, Yi Cui Pavilion, Ying Xi Pavilion, Gong Bei Pavilion, Kong Tong Pavilion, and Mei Pavilion. Below the rocks lies the “Dongzhen Temple,” inside which stand statues of Generals Chen Qi and Zheng Lun on either side, followed by the statue of Laozi, the Hall of the Jade Emperor, the Hall of Lü Dongbin, and the Hall of the Three Pure Ones. Transportation Visitors can stop by Bell and Drum Rocks while traveling to Meiguan. Ticket/Opening Hours Admission is 12 RMB.

Guangdong Shaoguan