Jiuri Shan, Heritage site in Quanzhou, China
Jiuri Shan is a mountain in Quanzhou with ancient carvings etched into its rock face. These stone inscriptions show rituals and symbols from the period when maritime trade was central to the region, capturing how people expressed their wishes for safe journeys.
The mountain was a place where officials performed ceremonies from around the 10th to 14th centuries to seek favorable conditions for merchant ships. This practice grew out of the need to support maritime trade and protect seafarers from the dangers of ocean voyages.
The carvings on the rock face show how seafarers and officials expressed their hopes for safe voyages through ritual markings. Walking through the site, you encounter evidence of how people once sought protection and blessing through these stone-cut messages.
The climb to see the carvings is straightforward and does not take long, making it accessible for most people. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, and visiting during morning or late afternoon light helps you see the inscriptions clearly on the rock surface.
The inscriptions on this mountain were created using specialized symbols and patterns known only within the maritime community of that era. These private markings record a complex system of customs that survives today as a rare window into the daily concerns of ancient seafaring traders.
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