The Dengying Stone

During the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Hongli, a refined ruler with a passion for calligraphy and literary works, travelled incognito south of the Yangtze River. He visited Runing Prefecture, toured Xiao Nanhai, and stayed overnight at the Guanyin Pavilion.

Enchanted by the picturesque scenery of South Lake, the emperor felt inspired. In high spirits after drinking, he picked up his writing brush and penned two large Chinese characters: "Dengying".

The local government of Runing Prefecture immediately selected a fine Taihu Lake stone and carved the characters onto it to commemorate the occasion. A garden was laid out in Xiao Nanhai to house the stone tablet, flanked by two towering ancient cypresses.

In spring, the garden is carpeted with green grass and blooming flowers in a riot of colours. When summer turns to autumn, gentle breezes carry the sweet fragrance of lotus blossoms, putting visitors in a cheerful and relaxed mood.

The bold characters "Dengying" are carved prominently on the irregular Taihu stone. The strokes are solid, powerful yet free and elegant, showing masterful calligraphic skill.

This famous Dengying stone tablet has endured wind and rain for nearly 500 years, witnessing all the vicissitudes of Xiao Nanhai through the ages.