Wang Renqiu Stele, cemetery in Anning, China
The Wang Renqiu Stele is a stone monument in Anning located within a cemetery site, dating to the year 698. The monument stands about 4 meters (13 feet) tall, carved from stone, and bears multiple inscriptions telling stories from ancient times.
The monument was erected in 698 to honor Wang Renqiu, a military leader and governor of the Tang Dynasty who played a role in developing and expanding the western territories of the empire. Twenty-four years after Renqiu's death, the stele was commissioned by Wang Shanbao, a trusted leader and calligrapher, to preserve his legacy.
The stone carries inscriptions portraying Wang Renqiu as a significant figure from the Tang Dynasty, reflecting the importance of ancestor veneration in Chinese culture. Visitors often notice small offerings or incense sticks left at the site, signs of continuing respect and tradition.
The site is located on a mountain outside Anning town along a gentle path leading to the monument in a peaceful area. The stele is surrounded by a wooden six-sided pavilion for protection, with nearby guardian structures where visitors can rest and enjoy views of the surrounding hills.
The inscriptions on the stele use some new characters introduced by Empress Wu Zetian, showing how her calligraphic reforms shaped Chinese historical writing. The script style is known for its strength and clarity, influencing Chinese writing for generations to come.
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