Shixi Yilanting Park, located at the foot of Songbai Mountain in Zhuhai, reopened to the public in August this year after a comprehensive renovation and upgrade. This park, blending natural landscapes with cultural heritage, has emerged as a new cultural landmark in Zhuhai, renowned for its deep roots in Lingnan cultural heritage and calligraphy art.
The Shixi Cliff Inscriptions, situated north of Shanchang Village in Xiangzhou District, constitute the largest collection of stone carvings in Zhuhai. Designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit in Guangdong in 2002, these inscriptions trace their origins to the reign of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty.
It was then that the calligrapher Bao Jun engraved the characters "Shixi" here and began convening literati and artists to emulate the "Orchid Pavilion Gathering" of Wang Xizhi, where they composed poetry, created paintings, and carved their works into the stone. Among the more than thirty surviving inscriptions, the "one-stroke goose" (a single, fluid brushstroke forming the character for "goose") stands out as the most famous, showcasing the dynamic and serene beauty of calligraphic art through its continuous, flowing stroke.
To preserve and pass on this precious heritage, Zhuhai initiated a cultural enhancement project this year. This project involved restoring and repainting the inscriptions, harmoniously blending water scenery with lush greenery, and reviving the historical elegance of "the winding stream party," an ancient literary drinking game. The park now features a statue of Bao Jun, an improved signage system, and a harmonious blend of ecological landscapes and cultural experiences, creating a cultural space that balances historical legacy with leisure functions.
Shixi is more than just a site of stone carvings; it is a symbol of the spirit of Lingnan literati. In the past, Bao Jun established Yilanting and founded the "Society for Cherishing Written Characters" here, gathering scholars and artists who shared a deep reverence for words and culture. For nearly two centuries, local villagers have taken it upon themselves to protect these inscriptions, ensuring that this legacy of refined elegance endures.
Today, the renovated park attracts numerous residents and tourists. Painters draw inspiration here for their sketches and creations. Zhuhai warmly invites people from all walks of life to wander through its mountains and streams, to experience the fusion of nature and humanity, and to immerse themselves in the timeless art of Chinese calligraphy and poetry.
Reporter | Jiang Xinchen
Photo | Nanfang Daily
Editor | Zhang Xuanzhen (intern), Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
