Two Chinese Men Face Legal Consequences for Vandalizing Sacred Mount Tai with Superstitious Inscriptions

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A remarkable incident in China has captivated nationwide attention. Two individuals were apprehended for inscribing their names and auspicious messages on the rocks of Mount Tai. They harbored the belief that writing words such as "success," "good wishes," and "blessings" on this revered mountain would enhance their fortune, according to South China Morning Post.

This case was publicized by China's Supreme People's Court on November 7th to promote awareness on the first anniversary of the updated Law on Cultural Heritage Protection.

The offenders, Zhang and Li, hail from Heze in Shandong Province. Zhang discontinued his education after primary school, while Li lacks literacy skills. They were under the impression that inscribing their names and positive phrases on Mount Tai would improve their circumstances. Previously, they had been convicted for propagating superstition and deceiving others.

Mount Tai, situated in Tai'an city, holds a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and ranks among China's five sacred mountains. It is celebrated for its historical architecture and ancient inscriptions.

On July 18, 2021, the pair utilized a red marker pen to write on numerous cultural heritage locations, including the Red Gate of Mount Tai.

Within a single day, they damaged 35 heritage sites, comprising six nationally protected and 29 provincially protected locations.

Their inscriptions predominantly consisted of wishes for good fortune and blessings. They also wrote phrases such as "Open the Celestial Base," "Made It," and "Time to Rise," alongside their personal names.

The men explained that they were seeking protection for their families and academic success for their children. They also confessed to being influenced by online short videos claiming that writing names on stones and having others read them would bring good luck. They believed that Mount Tai's spiritual energy would fulfill their wishes.

The Taishan District People's Court found Zhang and Li guilty of deliberately damaging cultural heritage sites. Zhang received a one-year prison sentence (with two years of probation) and a fine of 2,000 yuan (Rs 24,872), while Li was fined 1,500 yuan (Rs 18,654). Both were required to issue a public apology and compensate 70,588 yuan (Rs 8,77,866) for environmental damages.

Considering their financial circumstances, the court permitted them to fulfill this payment through community service. Zhang must complete 2,672 hours of community service over two years, and Li must perform 151 hours over six months.