This stone stele was composed and written by Qiao Yu, former Minister of Rites and Minister of War in Nanjing, in the sixth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1527), more than 470 years ago. The stele is 3.55 meters high and 1.2 meters wide, with a dragon-head top. The title inscription reads “Record of a Visit to Huaiquan Temple” in six characters. The main text of the stele contains 459 characters, combining fine writing and elegant calligraphy. It describes the beautiful natural scenery around Zhangshiyan and Zhihutao, with shaded mountains, clear waters, lush forests, and graceful valleys. Each character is about 5 × 5 cm in size, written in a combination of regular script and running script. The style is elegant and free-flowing, making it a precious work of calligraphy. The creature carrying the stele below is probably known to many as Bixi, the ninth son of the Dragon King. However, a Bixi with its head turned is rarely seen. According to legend, not far to the northeast there was a place called Black Dragon Pond. Bixi was the ninth son of the Black Dragon. Relying on his father’s power, he committed wrongdoings and oppressed the local people. Later, when Qiao Yu passed by this area, the people stopped his horse and lodged complaints. After learning about the matter, Qiao Yu rebuked the Black Dragon. The Black Dragon became furious and punished his son by making him carry Qiao Yu’s stele. Because Bixi often missed his hometown, he turned his head and looked toward the northeast. There is a folk saying: “Touch Bixi’s head, and you will have no worries all year round; touch Bixi, and you will stay free from illness throughout the year.”
