Journal of Guangxi Teachers Education University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition) ›› 2025, Vol. 61 ›› Issue (5): 176-184.doi: 10.16088/j.issn.1001-6597.2025.05.017

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“Cai Yao Kun Lun” (Cliff Carving) in the Context of Rock Art and Mythology

TANG Hui-sheng   

  1. College of History and Culture, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
  • Received:2025-07-10 Online:2025-09-05 Published:2025-09-18

Abstract: The recently discovered cliff carving “Cai Yao Kun Lun” (Gathering Herbs on Kunlun) in the Heyuan region of Qinghai should be treated strictly as an archaeological site. Its studies should focus on the archaeological site and the textual itself. The former leans more toward natural sciences, involving issues such as the formation of the site (engraving of the inscriptions), erosion patterns, development of rock patina, micro-erosion dating, etc. The latter belongs to the humanities, focusing on comparative literature and textual criticism, addressing themes like “distant journeys”, “elixir of immortality”, horse-drawn chariots, and commemorative stone inscriptions. Through analysis of both the site itself and its textual content, it can be confirmed that the carving constitutes an exceptionally significant cliff inscription site from the Qin Dynasty, and reveals previously unknown historical information. In addition it corroborates or even challenges certain established historical understandings.

Key words: “Cai Yao Kun Lun” (cliff carving), micro-erosion dating, rock patina, The Travels of King Mu, ascension to immortality

CLC Number:  K871.41;D232
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