The inscription consists of two poems that praise the difficulty and eventual success of building a road through the treacherous mountain terrain.
It is one of the few remaining examples of Qing Dynasty cliff inscriptions in Taiwan.
The location was specifically chosen for its strategic position along the vital trade route that linked the Taipei Basin to the Kavalan plains.
The tablet is formally recognized as a municipal monument, emphasizing its role in regional cultural history.
Local volunteers and historical societies periodically perform maintenance to clear vegetation and prevent damage to the sandstone surface.
The Golden Letters Tablet, known locally as the Jinzi Tablet, is an 1867 monument carved into a sandstone cliff in Ruifang District. It was commissioned by Liu Mingchuan's subordinate, Liu Bingzhang, to commemorate the completion of the Danlan Historic Trail. The tablet features classical Chinese poetry inscribed into the rock face, serving as a historic record of Qing Dynasty governance in northern Taiwan. It is situated along a section of the Cao-Ling Historic Trail, which historically connected Tamsui and Yilan. The site is protected by the New Taipei City government as a significant cultural monument. Erosion has impacted the readability of some characters over time, though it remains a central point of interest for hikers exploring the regional mountain passes.
From the wooden viewing platform directly opposite the tablet, which provides a straight-on view of the calligraphy.
Carry insect repellent, as the surrounding forest terrain is damp and home to mosquitoes.
Ensure your footwear has good grip, as the path near the tablet can become slippery during or after rainfall.
Bring a portable power bank, as trail conditions can sometimes drain phone batteries faster in remote areas.
Avoid visiting during or immediately after heavy typhoons or intense rain, as the mountain trails in this area are prone to mudslides.
Do not touch the stone surface, as the oils from human skin accelerate the erosion of the sandstone carvings.
