Peking University, May 6, 2019: Located in the Weiming Lake, the roll-tailed stone fish is a symbol of Peking University. It was exquisitely carved in tawny fine stone, 165 centimeters in length and 87 centimeters in height. Its name comes from the shape of a fish raising its head and rolling its tail.

Originally, the stone fish is made as a fountain. Seen closely, there is a tiny hole on the top which could spray water of almost 10-meter height, showing a traditional Chinese belief of “bringing the inexhaustible wealth”. Even though the stone fish does not function anymore, the auspicious omen remains. Nowadays, students of the school and a great number of tourists come to admire the stone fish, hoping for a good fortune.

The stone fish is among the most ancient cultural relics on the campus. Built in 1751, the roll-tailed stone fish was once part of the spray-pond in the Xieqiqu of the Yuanmingyuan Park (also known as the Old Summer Palace). At the request of the Qianlong Emperor, the Xieqiqu was constructed in Baroque style and constituted the Xiyang Lou complex (the Western mansions). Carved in European Style, the roll-tailed stone fish was located in the middle of the fountain pool in front of the Xieqiqu.

The story of the sculpture reveals the history of the country. In 1860, the Anglo-French Allied Forces burned down the Yuanmingyuan Park. Fortunately, the Xieqiqu and the stone fish were left intact. During the sequent loots, however, the stone fish was displaced and sold off. And it was bought by Zaitao, one nobleman of the Qing Dynasty, and thereafter had been situated in Langrun Garden. In 1930, the graduates of Peking University bought the stone-fish as a gift and put it in the Weiming lake where it has remained up to now. During the Cultural Revolution, the stone fish was pushed into the water and it sank to the lake floor. It is said that the school drained the water of the Weiming Lake to expose and pull up the sculpture. Later, the school went to great length to repair the damaged part of the stone fish.

The roll-tailed stone fish not only is a symbol of Peking University but also reflects the past of China. Located in the WeiMing Lake, the fish would always hold its head up and show the tenacious spirit of the country.

Written by: Fang Jiangchen
Edited by: Yan Shengnan
Photo credit to: Zeng Liang