The Nanshan Stone Carvings. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

In the northern reaches of Hangzhou lies the quaint town of Pingyao, home to an intriguing secret nestled in the mountains – the Nanshan Stone Carvings, also known as Nanshan Cliff Carvings.

The origins of the stone carvings can be traced back to the early Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). During this period, the area served as a royal quarry. Following the defeat of the Northern Song Dynasty by the Jin Dynasty, the Southern Song moved its capital to Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou). To construct imperial palaces and fortifications, a substantial quantity of stone was needed.

While the mountains surrounding West Lake could provide the required stone, the decision-makers were captivated by the beauty of West Lake and opted for a more distant location. This led them to Nanshan Mountain, situated about 25 kilometers away in Pingyao Town.

During the Southern Song era, artisans carved over 30 Buddha statues. Unfortunately, due to circumstances in 1978, more than ten statues were destroyed. Presently, 13 stone carvings have survived. Notably, inscriptions at two locations provide clear dates – the fifth year of the Taiding era (1328) and the first year of the Zhizheng era (1341). The inscriptions reveal that the carving of these statues occurred in the mid-to-late Yuan Dynasty.

Ascending the stone steps, visitors are greeted by three Buddha statues embedded in the cliff face. Surrounded by lush vegetation, each statue blends with its natural surroundings. As one climbs, statues ranging up to 6.6 meters high come into view, requiring an upward gaze to appreciate their full magnificence.

At the summit of the stone steps stands an exquisite Taoist statue, the only surviving Taoist representation among the Nanshan carvings. Though modest in size, the sculpture is finely detailed, depicting a figure with flowing hair, holding a sword aloft. A snake entwining a tortoise is depicted beneath, adding a unique aspect to the stone carvings.

Completing the journey through the stone sculptures takes about 15 minutes. In the winter, Nanshan offers a picturesque landscape, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a cultural exploration into the world of stone carvings. So why not gather a few friends and embark on a journey to this hidden gem?

The Nanshan Stone Carvings. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]