The Stele Forest consists of cliff inscriptions and various steles. The cliff inscriptions are engraved with verses by celebrities of past dynasties on the west crag of the mountain. The steles are a rich, precious collection of different forms of ancient Chinese steles on subjects including calligraphy, art, history, and epitaphs. Jiaoshan Mountain is thus honored as the “Mountain of Calligraphy”. “Yi He Ming”, regarded as the “King of Steles” among the cliff inscriptions, is a eulogy by a hermit mourning the death of a crane. The inscription was carved from left to right, with vigorous, kinesthetic strokes. Recognized as the progenitor of large-character calligraphy by calligraphers of subsequent dynasties, it has a far-reaching influence on later generations.
The Stele Forest consists of cliff inscriptions and various steles. The cliff inscriptions are engraved with verses by celebrities of past dynasties on the west crag of the mountain. The steles are a rich, precious collection of different forms of ancient Chinese steles on subjects including calligraphy, art, history, and epitaphs. Jiaoshan Mountain is thus honored as the “Mountain of Calligraphy”. “Yi He Ming”, regarded as the “King of Steles” among the cliff inscriptions, is a eulogy by a hermit mourning the death of a crane. The inscription was carved from left to right, with vigorous, kinesthetic strokes. Recognized as the progenitor of large-character calligraphy by calligraphers of subsequent dynasties, it has a far-reaching influence on later generations.
Ritual sound could be heard from historic temples, while ancient steles stand solemnly among lush green trees of centuries old. Painted with the color of spring, Jiaoshan Mountain lies prominently in the middle of the river. It would be a real feast to board a ferry to the mountain and savor the unique scenery of monasteries and pavilions hidden among the green.
