Stone Pillar Inscriptions at Tongzhong

　　The stone pillar inscriptions at Tongcheng Middle School stand tall on the eastern side of the campus. The pillars are square-shaped, made of coarse strip stones, measuring 4.32 meters in height and 0.34 meters in width per side, with a conical top and a base at the bottom. The four sides of the stone pillar feature two sets of vertically inscribed texts. The east and west sides are engraved in the Wei-style script, with dignified characters that read: “Lofty peaks pierce the clouds, clear streams reveal their beds.”

　　The north and south sides are inscribed in seal script, with smooth, flowing strokes, reading: “Fit to be beams or pillars, all are fitting; those with lofty aspirations will find their place in these stone pillars.” These inscriptions were carved in the 14th year of the Republic of China (1925) by local calligraphers Fang Shoudun and Fang Shouheng, aiming to inspire students to set high aspirations, strive diligently, and grow into the pillars of the nation. During the Cultural Revolution, the pillars were broken and the bases were destroyed. In 1982, during the 80th anniversary celebration of Tongcheng Middle School, the pillars were restored to their original appearance.