Clear Spring Rock

　　 Zhangpu County’s Clear Spring Rock boasts many cliff inscriptions from the Southern Song or early Ming periods, such as “Gradually Parting from the Mortal World,” “Deep in Penglai,” “Nine Carp Leaping,” “Peach Blossom Valley,” “Luxuriant Trees and Tall Bamboos,” and “Ascend and Pause.” Clear Spring Rock gained imperial recognition thanks to Cai Xin, and in turn, the site shines even brighter because of that “imperial brush.” On one rock face are inscribed two characters, “Awakening Shore,” with a square seal reading “Qianlong Imperial Brush” in the center. The signature “Minister Cai Xin” and his nearby personally inscribed cliff engraving “Ascend and Pause” mutually confirm that although the Qianlong Emperor’s calligraphy is present, the emperor himself never visited Zhangpu. The later legend that “the Qianlong Emperor came to Cai Xin’s home and toured Clear Spring Rock in Dananban, Zhangpu County, Fujian Province” together with him is entirely unfounded. Even without historical evidence that the Qianlong Emperor’s “Southern Tours” only reached as far south as Hangzhou and never came to Zhangpu, the term “pause” alone is enough to conclude the emperor never set foot here—had he truly visited, the inscription would have read “Imperial Sojourn” instead of “Pause.” The former refers to a traveler’s temporary stay, while the latter specifically denotes an emperor’s halt during travel—an entirely different context.

　　 “The sound of springs from twin valleys echoes through the Buddha’s realm; autumn hues scatter across the ridges.” Throughout history, Clear Spring Rock, established in the Song Dynasty, still retains the grandeur of a renowned ancient temple in southern Fujian: springs meander and weave around rocks, waterfalls cascade straight down cliffs; the mountains are tranquil yet filled with birdsong, and the subtle fragrance mingles with the chanting of sutras. Cai Xin, the highest-ranking and longest-serving official from southern Fujian, a Jinshi scholar of the first year of Qianlong’s reign, and native of Xiabu, Zhangpu, served as Minister of Works, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of War, Ministry of Rites, and Ministry of Personnel, as well as Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, and concurrently as Chief Compiler of the Siku Quanshu. He shared an inseparable bond with Clear Spring Rock. His father and uncle were both scholars who studied at the foot of Clear Spring Rock. Before entering officialdom, Cai Xin used the temple as a place for study. In the 19th year of Qianlong’s reign, he had the two characters “Awakening Shore,” bestowed as imperial calligraphy by the Qianlong Emperor, engraved on Clear Spring Rock, his favorite site. After retiring, he built a study near Clear Spring Rock, inscribing “Peach Blossom Valley” himself—showcasing just how deeply he cherished the place. A small bridge shaded by green bamboo below Xiabu once bore the inscription “Evergreen Fields,” bestowed as imperial calligraphy by the Jiaqing Emperor to his teacher, Cai Xin. In the main hall of Cai Xin’s former residence beneath Clear Spring Rock, the plaque “Veteran Hero of the Arsenal” also bears the personal brush of the Qianlong Emperor.

　　 The cultural village of Xiabu, nestled at the foot of Clear Spring Rock, has long enjoyed imperial favor from successive emperors, further enhancing its refined folk customs. Descendants of the Cai family, such as Cai Xin’s elder brother Cai Moxi (a Jinshi scholar of the Ming Dynasty), Cai Xin himself, and others, have left behind poetic verses, calligraphy, and relics, creating a rich legacy. The noble character and refined behavior of the Cai family have influenced locals for generations. The Cai family, who once held high office, demonstrated their gratitude and respect toward their benefactors. Even today, visitors can still find remnants of this cultural heritage, as well as inscriptions such as “Awakening Shore” and “Peach Blossom Valley” in the area.

　　 Not far east of Clear Spring Rock lies the “Six Princes’ Cave,” a “summer retreat” built by Cai Xin’s youngest son, the Sixth Young Master, for leisure and play. It includes inner and outer stone chambers, stone beds, and more, with cliff inscriptions such as “Sound of the Stream” and “Kites Soaring, Fish Leaping” etched into the rock walls.