Stele Forest, History museum in Beilin District, Xi'an, China
The Stele Forest Museum displays thousands of stone tablets and inscriptions arranged within a traditional architectural complex of courtyards and pavilions spread across multiple exhibition halls. The collection covers different periods and types of carved inscriptions that document various aspects of Chinese civilization.
The museum was founded in 1087 when stone tablets were gathered at a Confucian temple to preserve Tang Dynasty stone classics and important calligraphy works. Over time, inscriptions and tablets from many other periods were added to create the extensive collection seen today.
The collection displays stone tablets carved with ancient Chinese calligraphy, poetry, and classical texts in different writing styles that visitors can study closely. These works show how writing and artistic expression were valued and preserved through generations.
The museum is open daily, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes since there are multiple courtyards and paths to explore throughout the complex. Visiting early in the day is recommended to view the inscriptions more comfortably with fewer crowds.
The museum houses the famous Nestorian Stele from 781, which records the early presence of Christianity in China through inscriptions in both Chinese and Syriac. This rare artifact demonstrates how different religions and cultures connected during the Tang Dynasty.
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