Located in the heart of Longya Mountain in Chizhou, this remarkable site features a stunning array of stone carvings created by Song Dynasty literati. These carvings seamlessly blend calligraphy art with the natural landscape, showcasing a rich historical and cultural heritage. The core area centers around Zuowengting (Drunken Pavilion), where a powerful inscription reads “The intention of the Drunken One is not in wine,” prompting contemplation. The carvings on the kilometer-long cliff face behind Langya Temple are a testament to the work of countless generations, with Wang Anshi’s iconic “Longya Shan” (Longya Mountain) inscription standing out for its grandeur and power. This area was once the retreat of Ouyang Xiu, who adopted the alias “Drunken One,” and hosted gatherings with Song Dynasty literary figures like Su Shi and Wen Tianxiang. The collection of cliff carvings is not only a treasure trove of calligraphy but also a reflection of the spirit of Chinese literati, with each inscription carrying praise for the landscape and philosophical reflections on life. Walking through this area, you can hear the echoes of a thousand-year-old cultural heritage in the rustling of pine trees and bamboo shadows, experiencing the timeless allure of “literati and landscape.”
