Stone Arrow in Nanjian County, Dali
Overview
The Stone Arrow (石箭) is located approximately 60 kilometers west of Nanjian County (南涧县). According to the Kangxi-era Menghua Prefecture Gazetteer (《蒙化府志》), it is said, “Zhuge Liang marked this town,” with a square tower nearby referred to as the Arrow Tube (箭筒). The Stone Arrow stands 1.5 meters tall and is inscribed with the words “This divine object penetrates the earth” (此神物穿地穴). This site is one of the remarkable ancient relics in Nanjian, possessing significant archaeological value.
Gonglang Stone Arrow and Ghost Stone (公郎石箭和鬼魔石)
The Stone Arrow and Ghost Stone (鬼魔石) are surrounded by many legends in the Gonglang area.
Legend of the Stone Arrow and Ghost Stone
Long ago, the area around the Stone Arrow was shrouded in poisonous smoke and calamity, with monstrous creatures causing havoc and endangering the people. Upon learning of this, the Yellow Emperor (黄帝) informed Hou Yi (后羿), who then used his divine power to shoot three arrows towards the southwest using the remaining arrows from his conquest against the sun.
- One arrow landed at the head of the Xier River (西洱河) and the tail of Erhai Lake (洱海), forming what is now known as the Natural Bridge (天生桥).
- The second arrow fell into Gonglang Cizai (公郎槽子), now the location of the Stone Arrow.
- The third arrow landed in the mountains of Gonglang Mafang Village (公郎马房村), known locally as the Ghost Stone.
It is said that after the Stone Arrow and Ghost Stone landed, they subdued the demons, and the calamity dragon returned to its domain to manage the water flow. Creatures such as the Great Black Dragon (黑龙), Nezha River Dragon (哪吒河龙), and Longfang River Dragon (龙房河龙) were responsible for water distribution and would gather at the Stone Arrow to pay their respects.
Dialogue Between the Stones
One night, the Stone Arrow said to the Ghost Stone, “I have subdued the evil here and accomplished great deeds for the world. I want to use my ability to grow tall and pierce the heavens to receive my reward, but I fear the heavenly family will send golden boys and jade maidens to take me back to the Arrow Tube.” The Ghost Stone replied, “I have no other ability besides assisting you in this task; I merely detest dog urine and blood. Upon encountering them, I lose my spirit and cannot shine.”
These words were overheard by the demons, who covered themselves in dog urine and blood, planning to throw the Ghost Stone into the Lancang River (澜沧江). As they carried the Ghost Stone from the mountaintop to the foothills, a rooster crowed, heralding dawn, and they were forced to leave the Ghost Stone halfway down the mountain.
The Stone Arrow gradually grew taller, and the water level began to rise. Fearing flooding and that the Stone Arrow would pierce the heavens and cause a leak, the people invited Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮) to build an arrow tube filled with boys and girls and ritual implements on a hill several dozen zhang away from the Stone Arrow. This structure is known as Shizhenzi (石镇子). The top part of the Stone Arrow, which continued to grow, was shaped into a crescent, with the inscription “The symbol to pierce hell” (七刹穿地狱之符) carved at the base to subdue it.
Beliefs Today
Today, people still believe that the Stone Arrow and Ghost Stone are treasures with spiritual significance. Locals hope for safety, health, and good fortune from these stones, naming their children with names such as Shun Shi (石顺), Zhu Shi (石柱), and De Shi (石德).
How to Get There
To reach the Stone Arrow in Nanjian County, you can take a bus from Dali City (大理市) to Nanjian County. From there, hire a local taxi or use a motorcycle taxi to get to the Stone Arrow site.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, offering pleasant weather for outdoor exploration.
- Local Culture: Respect local customs and traditions when visiting sacred sites.
- Safety Precautions: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, as the area may have rugged terrain.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the unique scenery and relics of the area.
