The Inscription of the South Sea’s Judgment, found within the Tianya Haijiao scenic area, is recognized as the earliest cliff inscription there. It embodies a sense of primitive vigor and evokes a connection to the eternal passage of time through its combination of stone and characters.
In the 53rd year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, which corresponds to the year 1714, three imperial envoys from the Qin Tianjian were dispatched to Xiama Ling’s seaside. Acting on the emperor’s decree, they inscribed the ‘Inscription of the South Sea’s Judgment.’ These envoys were later identified as Miao Shou from the Qin Tianjian, Chuo Erdai from the Lifan Yuan, and the French Jesuit missionary Tang Shangxian. This inscription is not only a remnant of the mapping efforts included in the ‘Imperial Map of the Complete Geography’ but also stands as a historical testament to the Sino-French technological exchange that took place in the 18th century.
Visitors are welcome to explore this significant site, which is open all year round from 07:30 to 18:20.
