Guoshan Stele, Stone monument in Zhangzhu Town, Yixing, China.
The Guoshan Stele is a cylindrical stone monument standing at the western base of Guoshan Mountain, covered with fine carved characters. The surface bears 43 lines of ancient script, carefully inscribed into the stone to document the thoughts and decisions of the time.
An earthquake in 276 triggered the discovery of a hidden stone chamber beneath the mountain. The ruler commissioned this monument through his minister to commemorate this extraordinary event.
The inscriptions on the stone reflect the beliefs and values of ancient rulers and their advisors. Walking around the monument, you can observe how people of that era chose to preserve their ideas in stone.
The site is accessible from nearby major airports, with lodging available in the surrounding town area. Clear weather makes the carved inscriptions easier to read and photograph when you visit.
The monument emerged from an unexpected natural discovery: an earthquake revealed a massive stone chamber beneath the mountain that had been hidden for centuries. This geological opening led locals to give the mountain a new name to reflect its newfound significance.
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