Xiongzhenmanyan stele, Stone monument in Gongliao District, Taiwan.
The Xiongzhenmanyan stele is a large natural boulder on the Caoling Historic Trail in Gongliao District, Taiwan, with four Chinese characters carved directly into its surface. The rock sits at a point along the trail where the path historically crossed the boundary between two separate administrative regions.
In 1807, Commander Liu Mingdeng had four characters carved into this boulder during a visit to address unrest in the border area. The inscription was meant to assert official presence in a remote mountain passage that divided two administrative zones.
The four carved characters function as a public statement left in stone for anyone passing through this mountain corridor. Hikers today read the same words that travelers on this route encountered over two centuries ago.
The boulder is only accessible on foot along the Caoling Historic Trail, so sturdy shoes are recommended for the walk. The path passes through open terrain, and bringing water and sun protection is a good idea, especially on clear days.
The four carved characters translate roughly as "subdue the fierce wind," which suggests the inscription was as much a comment on the notoriously strong winds in this pass as it was a mark of authority. This double meaning gives the text a layer that goes beyond a simple administrative statement.
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