Chinese heritage authorities have confirmed that a newly discovered stone inscription on the Tibetan Plateau is genuine and likely records a previously unknown expedition sent by China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in 210 BC. The carving, found at a lofty altitude near Gyaring Lake in Qinghai, was inscribed in the ancient “small seal” script that was standardized during his rule.
The text claims that the emperor ordered a high-ranking master, known as “level five grand master Yi,” to lead alchemists to the region to collect yao—a word that could mean medicinal herbs, minerals, or even the mythical elixir of life. According to the inscription, the group traveled by carriage and reached Zhaling Lake during the third month of the 37th year of Qin Shi Huang’s reign.
The discovery sparked earlier doubts over whether the inscription was authentic or a more modern forgery, especially given the extreme environment and historic logistical challenges of carrying out such expeditions. But field studies, using advanced detection tools, have since ruled out signs of modern tampering, lending credibility to the artifact.
If the inscription is correctly interpreted, it adds a western dimension to Qin Shi Huang’s quest for immortality (in addition to better-known eastern voyages). It also offers new insight into how ancient imperial power sought to mix cosmology, alchemy, and conquest.
