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The Li Shutong Calligraphy Stele Forest, located on Zhouwei Road in Hebei District, is a classical garden-style structure inscribed with over 80 works by the master from his middle and late years, as well as poems and sentiments by numerous renowned calligraphers. The gatehouse boasts red eaves and gray tiles, and above the vermilion gate is a black-and-gold plaque inscribed by Zhao Puchu: "Li Shutong Calligraphy Stele Forest."
Upon entering, one finds a tranquil courtyard. It's no more than 20 meters wide and just over 30 meters long. In its center lies a pond, spanned by a white marble arch bridge. Beyond the bridge leads to a long corridor with green pillars and red eaves. Opposite the gate stands a meter-tall bronze statue of Master Hongyi, seated cross-legged with his palms facing heaven. On the wall behind the statue is an inscription by He Jingzhi: "Soul transforms into Jingwei bird, blood splatters into red-hearted grass. From now on, a great nation is built by heroes." This aptly captures Li Shutong's unwavering dedication to his country.
The stone tablet is inscribed with many cautionary tales written by Li Shutong. For example, "Don't alienate your closest relatives over petty grievances, and don't forget past favors over new grievances," "If you are unsympathetic, every step you take will lead to danger; if you don't understand the world, your life will be a dream," and "Those involved in matters should stay out of their own interests; those offering advice should put themselves within their own interests." These wise words will benefit people for a lifetime.
Warm temperate semi-humid continental climate; four distinct seasons, suitable for travel all year round.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
Free and open
Open all day
The Li Shutong Calligraphy Stele Forest is dedicated to Li Shutong, a prominent Chinese scholar, artist, and calligrapher. The site is significant for its collection of stone inscriptions, many of which showcase Li Shutong's calligraphy and the historical art of Chinese stone carving. It serves as both an artistic and educational site for those interested in traditional Chinese culture and calligraphy.
The Li Shutong Calligraphy Stele Forest is located in Tianjin, China. It can be accessed by taxi or bus from central Tianjin. The nearest metro station is about 30 minutes away, and walking might not be the most convenient option due to the distance.
The stele forest is typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Entrance fees vary but typically range between ¥30 to ¥50 per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It's also possible to check for online booking options on official platforms before visiting.
Booking in advance is not usually necessary unless you are visiting during peak tourist seasons or special events. For regular visits, tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit.
Visiting the entire site and appreciating the calligraphy steles will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. If you attend an exhibition or participate in a workshop, you may need additional time.
Guided tours may be available in Mandarin, and there might be audio guides available for non-Mandarin speakers in English. It's best to check for availability in advance if you're interested in a guided experience.
The best photography spots include the entrance area where the steles are arranged in rows, the shaded paths that wind through the stele forest, and close-ups of the stone carvings. Be sure to capture the detailed calligraphy and the natural beauty of the setting.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available. The site operates primarily during daylight hours, offering a serene, daylight experience for visitors.
The site can become crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, especially in the morning hours, as most visitors come in the afternoon or during weekends.
The site has basic facilities including public toilets, a small kiosk for water and snacks, and shaded rest areas. There are no major shops or dining facilities on-site, but there are restaurants and cafes nearby.
The attraction is accessible to elderly visitors and families with children, though some areas may have uneven paths. Visitors with mobility challenges may need assistance as not all paths are fully paved or wheelchair accessible.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted. It's recommended to bring cash just in case, but most payments can be made digitally.
Vegetarian options are generally available at local restaurants. Vegan and halal options may be more limited in the immediate vicinity but are available in larger districts of Tianjin.
There are no large souvenir shops within the site, but small kiosks may sell traditional Chinese calligraphy supplies or prints of the steles. In downtown Tianjin, you can find a wide variety of souvenirs like local handicrafts and tea.
After visiting, taxis are the most convenient way to continue your trip. Alternatively, you can use the bus service to reach other parts of Tianjin, or the metro for further exploration of the city.
