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Sanxuejie St., Beilin District, Xi'an, Shannxi Province, China
Perfect place for calligraphy amateurslovers
Xian Stele Forest (Bei Lin) Museum is located near the south gate of the Xian City Wall. Once the site of the Temple of Confucius during the Northern Song Dynasty it was officially re-named as the Forest of Stone Steles in 1992.
It was first constructed in 1087 (the second year of the Yuanyou reign period of Emperor Zhezong of the Song Dynasty) to preserve Kaiyuan Stone Scriptures of the Tang Dynasty. And in order to preserve these works well and pass them down to later generations, the rulers ordered them to be carved on these stones. The Forest of Steles is a treasure house of the Chinese calligraphic art.
The history exhibition halls introduce the politics, economy, culture and society of the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, Tang and other dynasties through cultural relics, pictures, drawings and models. In this museum, we can study the China ancient stone-carving art as well as social systems.
The Steles Forest saved China the most complete set of stone carving books, is li han into two years (AD 837) of twelve books, a total of 114 stone, 228, six hundred and fifty thousand two hundred and fifty-two inscription. These books are intellectuals must read book feudal society of our country. Because of carved into the years, as in the tang dynasty, known as "open into writing".
The Steles Forest is one of the places of that preserved ancient Chinese cultural classics carved stone, is also a place assembled past dynasties calligraphy art." The Steles Forest "name after it had many steles stands in cluster as forest. The Steles Forest have more than nine hundred years history, famous for its unique collection and become the Chinese and foreign art treasures.
The most magnificent stele in the Steles Forest is the towering “Stone of Classic of Filial Piety”, which is nearly six meters high, and in the top of stele it was carved into cirrus cloud, the base of stele are three layers of rock that was carved lions and creeping weed. The body of stele itself is synthesis of four large stone, engraved “The Classic of Filial Piety” personally written in official script and annotation by Emperor Li longji of Tang dynasty in Tianbao forth years (AD 745), and the preface he wrote for the “The Classic of Filial Piety”.
All year round. The peak season of traveling to Xi’an is in the spring and autumn. In summer the temperature is high with strong ultraviolet ray. It is easy to cause heat stroke under the blazing sun for quite a long time in outdoor, and sometimes it will rain, so tourists should watch the weather forecast in advance before visiting. What’s more, tourists need to put on sunscreen and try to avoid ultraviolet rays during the day time travel; Winter temperature is low, the wind is piercingly cold, only suitable for indoor attractions visiting.
The Stele Forest was expanded on the basis of the ancient collection of steles and the architectural complex of Xi’an Confucius Temple. Today, it is composed of three main parts: the Confucius Temple, the Stele Forest, and the Stone Sculpture Art Galleries. Visitors can admire thousands of stone tablets, inscriptions, and stone carvings, which together present an invaluable cultural and artistic heritage.
1. Calligraphy Inscriptions
Yan Zhenqing’s Works: Such as The Stele of Duobao Pagoda, Yan Qinli Stele, and Yan Family Temple Stele, which are regarded as classic models of regular script, showing the bold and majestic style of Yan’s calligraphy.
Liu Gongquan’s Works: The famous Xuanmi Pagoda Stele is the representative work of Liu’s regular script, characterized by strong strokes and rigorous structure.
Wang Xizhi’s Legacy: The Preface to the Sacred Teaching Stele (Shengjiao Xu Bei) is a compilation of characters from Wang’s calligraphy by Monk Huairen. It is praised as the “Three Perfections Stele,” and serves as a precious source for studying Wang’s style.
Other Masters: Works like Ouyang Xun’s Huangfu Dan Stele, Yu Shinan’s Confucius Temple Stele, and Chu Suiliang’s Tongzhou Shengjiao Xu Stele each represent the artistic diversity of different dynasties.
2. Historical Relics
The Stone of Classic of Filial Piety (Shitai Xiaojing): Written by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty in clerical script, with running script annotations on the sides and seal script on the top. It is both a Confucian classic and a significant artifact for studying Tang calligraphy.
The Kaicheng Stone Classics (Kaicheng Shijing): Completed in 837 AD during the reign of Emperor Wenzong of the Tang Dynasty, it consists of 114 stones with 282 surfaces and over 650,000 characters. It includes 12 Confucian classics such as The Book of Changes, The Book of History, and The Book of Songs.
Nestorian Stele (Da Qin Jingjiao Stele): Erected in 781 AD, it records the history of Nestorian Christianity in China. It is one of the world’s four most famous steles, along with Egypt’s Rosetta Stone, Jordan’s Mesha Stele, and Mexico’s Sun Stone.
3. Stone Carving Art
The Six Steeds of Zhao Mausoleum: Sculptures from Emperor Taizong’s tomb, depicting the warhorses he rode during his campaigns. The carvings are refined and dynamic, masterpieces of Tang stone art.
Li Jingxun’s Sarcophagus: Unearthed from a Sui dynasty tomb, this sarcophagus is shaped like a miniature palace, with lifelike carvings that provide valuable insights into ancient architecture.
Buddhist Statues: From Northern Wei Maitreya images to Tang Dynasty Guanyin statues, these works reflect the development of Buddhist art through different eras.
4. New Exhibition Halls
Starlight of Chang’an: A display of 26 stele masterpieces, including works by Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, Huai Su, and the Nestorian Stele.
Chinese Character and Calligraphy History: Featuring over 600 exhibits, this exhibition traces the evolution of Chinese characters and calligraphy as well as the history of the Stele Forest itself.
Voices of the Silk Road: Focusing on epitaphs and inscriptions related to the Silk Road, this exhibition reveals the cultural exchanges between East and West.
5. Architectural Highlights
Confucius Temple Complex: Including the screen wall, Taihe Yuanqi Archway, Pan Pond, Lingxing Gate, and Jimen Gate from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the layout is symmetrical and grand, offering an important example of traditional Chinese temple architecture.
The New Museum Building: Designed with a blend of modern and traditional styles, it houses multiple exhibition halls showcasing the essence of the museum’s collection.
Special Experiences
Tickets: ¥45 per person.
Must-See Highlights: The Stone of Classic of Filial Piety, Kaicheng Stone Classics, Nestorian Stele, Duobao Pagoda Stele, and Cao Quan Stele.
Suggested Duration: Allow at least 4 hours for a thorough visit. Hiring a guide or joining a tour group is highly recommended to understand the cultural and historical background behind the relics.
How to Get There: Take Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station (Exit D), then walk east along the City Wall for about 10 minutes.
Shuyuanmen Pedestrian Street: A lively street famous for calligraphy supplies, brushes, ink stones, paper, rubbings, handicrafts, and local snacks.
Xi’an City Wall: Accessible from Wenchang Gate, where you can walk or cycle along the ancient ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
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